Doha, 16 Sept. 2024 (QNA)

13th EU- GCC Economic Dialogue kicked off Monday in Doha, with both sides discussing the key economic challenges, policy priorities, and regional and international risks related to security and stability.

Both the groups reviewed strategies for economic diversification, trade enhancement, and green transformation.

Dr. Saud bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, State of Qatar; Dr. Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg, GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations; Dr Cristian Tudor, ambassador of European Union to Qatar; Annika Eriksgard, Director of International Economic and Financial Relations and Global Governance (ECFIN); experts and specialists from the GCC General Secretariat, ministries, agencies, European Commission and the European External Action Service participated.

Dr. Saud bin Abdullah Al Attiyah hailed the 13th EU- GCC Economic Dialogue as an important platform for enhancing cooperation and partnership between the two sides in facing common economic challenges and working to achieve joint growth and prosperity, in addition to exploring available opportunities to enhance cooperation in vital areas such as trade, investment, sustainable energy and comprehensive development.

He said that this dialogue reflects the commitment of both sides to enhance mutual understanding and joint action to confront the ever-changing global challenges. He added that the importance of its agenda stems from discussing economic challenges and policy priorities through which the focus will be on how to deal with the current circumstances.

He stressed on the priorities that must be adopted to ensure the sustainability of the two blocs economies and protect their societies. There is a common vision that seeks to coordinate international and regional efforts to work hard to achieve a just and comprehensive peace. From this standpoint, the State of Qatar affirms its readiness to contribute to international efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis peacefully, with calls to stop military operations and provide humanitarian assistance, Dr Al Attiyah added.

He further said that Qatar has provided significant financial and humanitarian assistance, including a pledge of $100 million to rehabilitate infrastructure and provide educational and health services, in addition to scholarships and support for grain export initiatives. It has also played a mediating role in reuniting Ukrainian children affected by the war with their families, reflecting its commitment to humanitarian principles and international peace.

Commenting on the war on Gaza, he highlighted the centrality of the Palestinian cause for the Middle East and the world, reiterating the State of Qatar's firm position in support of the Palestinian people and the resolution of their just cause in accordance with international legitimate resolutions and within the framework of the Arab Peace Initiative.

He said that Qatari diplomacy focuses on reaching a ceasefire agreement, protecting civilians, releasing prisoners, and preventing the expansion of the conflict, while emphasizing the importance of opening safe corridors for relief and aid in Gaza.

He added that cooperation in these areas enhances environmental sustainability, opens new horizons for economic development, and creates job opportunities, which is in line with the vision of the GCC countries towards diversifying sources of income and enhancing sustainability, explaining that the EU, with its long-term partnership with the GCC, has a vital role in supporting efforts to transform towards sustainable and innovative economies.

Dr. Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg, GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations in his opening comments said that series of dialogues between GCC and the EU dates back to 2003, noting its importance in terms of exchanging views on various international developments, discussing economic challenges in the GCC region and the EU, and benefiting from both sides' experiences.

He explained that among the agenda of dialogue today is the war on the Gaza Strip and its economic effects on the region, including its clear impact on international navigation in the Red Sea.

Applauding the role of State of Qatar in the region, he said Doha, which holds the current GCC presidency, is experiencing an active economic movement, and is one of the countries that has maintained its economic growth, despite the existing challenges, and has a major role in seeking to reach a solution to the war in Gaza, and thus reduce its economic effects on the region.

He added that Qatar also has a major role in energy security in the world, which was affected by the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Dr. Cristian Tudor, Ambassador of EU to State of Qatar thanked State of Qatar’s for hosting the 13th EU-GCC Economic Dialogue, considering these dialogues as the appropriate way to promote strategic relations between European Union states and GCC states, and enhance cooperation between the two peoples.

He said that the first summit at the leaders' level between GCC States and the European Union will be held in October at Brussels presided by Qatar, would lead to a new era, especially with the EU's keenness to bolster bilateral relations.

Annika Eriksgard highlighted the importance of EU-GCC economic dialogue, especially with the increasing international challenges such as the increasing fragmentation of global trade, the complex geopolitical and economic situation that generally affects global growth, including the war on Gaza, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and their impact on the Red Sea trade route, global tourism, and energy availability.

She noted that many of these challenges require finding possible solutions and coordinating ways to address them, appreciating the manner and spirit in which the two sides' discussions took place during the 12th dialogue in Brussels in November 2022, and the way in which it is possible to find how to align the interests of the two blocs in some areas.

The first EU-GCC Economic Dialogue was held in 2003 within the framework of the two parties' commitment to strengthening their cooperation and discussing regional and international developments, especially addressing economic challenges and finding solutions to overcome them.