Global Arab Network | Omani FM: Gulf-EU meeting .. continuation of joint efforts

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Omani FM: Gulf-EU meeting .. continuation of joint efforts

Foreign Affairs Omani Minister Yousef bin Alawi said in Muscat the just-kick-started 19th Gulf-European ministerial meeting is part of existing partnership between the GCC and the EU. "Our meeting today comes within the framework of existing partnership between the GCC and the EU, and a continuation of our joint efforts to consolidate cooperation among our countries," he addressed the one-day meeting.

Undoubtedly, such gatherings provide the opportunity for both sides to share views on all issues of mutual interest, he said.

He hailed GCC-EU historical ties as having been based on mutual interest and understanding, whether on multilateral on bilateral level.

He recalled to memory that the 1988 GCC-EU framework cooperation agreement was part of efforts to bolster and raise bilateral relations up to fresh horizons.

However, he regretted that both sides had only focused on free trade negotiations over the past period, shrugging off several other significant issues.

The Omani minister added that the conferees would also mull over several regional and international issues of mutual concern, primarily the latest Middle East situation, Iraq, Iran, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, human rights, the fallout of the global financial mayhem, piracy in Somalia and interfaith dialogue.

Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg also addressed the Gulf-EU meeting on a set of key issues, mainly GCC-EU economic and political cooperation.

A Gulf source, requesting anonymity, told Kuwaiti Press that participants in the meeting will discuss the Gulf-European cooperation agreement signed in 1988, free trade, and the Iranian nuclear program.

The ministers are expected to stress on the importance of Iran's cooperation with the US following President Barack Obama's invitation for starting a new phase of relations between Washington and Tehran, as well as freeing the region of weapons of mass destruction, and protecting human rights, he said.

Participants in the meeting will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, the peace process, combating terrorism funding, the security situation in Iraq, and the conflict between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the three islands in the Arabian Gulf, he added.

In addition, issues to be discussed will include piracy, the effects of the world economic crisis, climate issues, and the importance of dialogue among religions, cultures, and civilizations, stressing understanding and joint values, and spreading peace and tolerance.

Global Arab Network

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