“We, in the GCC, are keen on enhancing Gulf-European relations in various fields through coordinated efforts on regional and international issues, stimulating trade and investment cooperation, exchanging expertise in research and innovation, combating climate change, preserving the environment and promoting economic diversification,” HH the Amir said.
On the economic front, HH the Amir said, “We are confident that the future of our Gulf-European cooperation is promising, as the volume of trade exchange between our countries reached $204.3 billion in 2022, accounting for 13.2 percent of the total trade volume of the GCC countries.”
HH the Amir said foreign direct investment (FDI) from these countries in the European Union has increased significantly over the past decade, reaching $177.8 billion in 2022. Likewise, the volume of FDI from the EU in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries has grown substantially since 2017, amounting to $233.6 billion in 2022.
“I call in this respect for the strengthening and deepening of this cooperation through existing mechanisms, and the establishment of new mechanisms, if necessary, in line with the promising cooperation prospects between Gulf and European countries,” HH the Amir added.
HH the Amir said, “We are all aware of the magnitude of the dangers and security, political, and economic challenges facing the world, particularly the Middle East and Europe, amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, Lebanon, and the war between Russia and Ukraine.”
“Given the polarisation experienced by the international order, the importance of strengthening relations between the Gulf and Europe is increasing. We hope that this will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the international system in promoting principles of justice and international legitimacy, away from the policies of double standards and biases that undermine the collective security framework agreed upon by the international community since World War II, and which now threaten global stability, security, and peace.”
HH the Amir added, “In this context, we appreciate the prominent role played by the European Union in maintaining global security and peace and contributing effectively to finding peaceful solutions to ongoing international crises, and its efforts in driving the global economy forward and encouraging development efforts in various countries around the world.”
HH the Amir pointed out that the Middle Eastern issues hold significant importance for Europe, just as European matters are of special importance to our countries. The two regions share a direct geographical proximity and persistent political, economic, and cultural connections throughout history.
HH the Amir said that the destructive war that has been waged by Israel on Palestinian territories and Lebanon, where war crimes have become a terrifying routine in the absence of any international accountability, stresses the urgent need for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict based on a just solution for the Palestinian issue according to international resolutions. This includes the complete withdrawal from the Arab territories occupied in 1967 and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, alongside the State of Israel.
“We call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and for an end to the military-backed settlers’ provocations in the occupied West Bank. In this context, we in the state of Qatar reaffirm our ongoing mediation efforts with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America to reach a ceasefire. In Qatar, we see that the ceasefire should pave the way for serious negotiations leading to a comprehensive, just, and sustainable solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative,” HH the Amir said.
“We appreciate the role of those European countries that have taken a stance against the crimes perpetrated by Israel against civilians and support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state. We look forward to a greater European role in reinforcing the international consensus on the two-state solution and concretize it from words into action through a reliable and irreversible process for establishing a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.”
HH the Amir said, “We value the role of the countries that have recognized the Palestinian state and urge other countries to follow suit. Regarding the situation in Lebanon, we reiterate our rejection and condemnation of the ongoing Israeli aggression against the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, which has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent civilians and has even targeted the UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) in Lebanon, in flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law. We call on the international community to work seriously to achieve a ceasefire and implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which is clearly supported by the Lebanese government and is committed to its implementation.”
Concerning the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, HH the Amir said, “We affirm the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) stance, which is based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter. This position emphasizes respect for States’ sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, non-interference in their internal affairs, and the prohibition of the use of force or threat thereof. The GCC supports all mediation efforts, initiatives and good offices aimed at reaching a political solution to this crisis.”
“We understand European concerns about the waves of illegal immigration into Europe and are willing to cooperate in addressing this issue. At the same time, we believe that the basic thing lies in the need for joint efforts and investment to tackle major disasters, such as civil wars, genocides, and poverty that lead to displacement and waves of illegal immigration waves,” HH the Amir said.
In conclusion, HH the Amir said, “I reiterate my thanks to everyone who contributed to the preparation of this summit, hoping it achieves the desired goals for the benefit of our peoples and all humanity.”
