Geneva: The first dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the European Union (EU) at ambassadorial level was held in Geneva, under the joint chairmanship of Ambassador Abdullah Abdullatif Abdullah, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, and Ambassador Olympia Neocleous, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was attended by the Permanent Observer of the GCC Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, the Permanent Observer of the European Union Mission, as well as GCC and EU ambassadors accredited to international organisations in Geneva. The meeting reviewed the ties between the two sides and explored means to expand coordination and cooperation on issues of mutual interest. Discussions also covered several regional and international developments, particularly the repercussions of Iranian attacks on the region, humanitarian efforts, United Nations reform, and global health governance.
Participants underscored the European Union's support for relevant resolutions, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1, and a resolution adopted by the International Telecommunication Union Council. The meeting also examined mechanisms to strengthen future cooperation and enhance coordination on issues under discussion within international organizations.
Both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining this dialogue on a regular basis to further strengthen partnership and coordination, and to support efforts aimed at promoting regional and international security and stability.