Doha: In their editorials on Thursday, Qatari newspapers focused on the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and the European Union (EU) Summit that took place on Wednesday in Brussels.
They stressed that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s speech at the Brussels Summit reflected the GCC’s perspective on regional and international issues of mutual interest, pointing out that Middle Eastern issues hold significant importance for Europe, just as European matters are particularly relevant to Gulf states, given the geographical, political, and economic ties between the two regions, along with the strong historical relationships based on shared interests.
In its editorial, Al-Raya stressed that enhancing constructive cooperation with the European Union is a Qatari priority, both on a bilateral level and within the Gulf framework, adding that Qatar has worked during its current presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council to hold the first GCC-EU Summit, which establishes a new phase
of partnership aimed at leveraging the capabilities of both sides to elevate relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The newspaper explained that it was based on these considerations that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani headed the Qatari delegation at the opening session of the first GCC-EU Summit, noting that all sides are looking forward to this important event that serves as a turning point in their relations through investing in existing cooperation mechanisms or developing them in line with promising avenues for collaboration, thereby enhancing Gulf-European relations across various fields.
Al-Raya also noted His Highness’ assertion that the Gulf Arab states and the EU have strong historical ties that were established over the decades by mutual interests and a consensus on principles such as respecting international law, strengthening international peace and security, upholding state sovereignty, and avoiding interference in internal affairs, while striving for pros
perity for all.
Al-Raya concluded by noting that His Highness made a sincere call to direct Gulf-European relations towards reforming the international system and enhancing the principles of justice and international legitimacy, free from double standards, especially in light of the polarization currently affecting the international system. On another note, His Highness emphasized the importance of joint efforts to establish regional peace, appreciating the role of European countries that have recognized the Palestinian state and urging others to do the same, as this supports the establishment of a Palestinian state, which is the only guarantee for security and stability in the region.
Similarly, Al-Sharq said that the first GCC-EU Summit aims to outline a roadmap for a more prosperous future for Gulf-European relations.
The newspaper highlighted the speech of HH the Amir, who headed the Qatari delegation at the Summit’s opening session. His Highness’ remarks heralded a promising future for Gulf-European c
ooperation, considering the summit a culmination of diligent work over the past years and a reflection of the mutual interest and commitment to enhance cooperation, dialogue, and coordination collectively, while strengthening existing communication channels at the bilateral level.
The newspaper also noted that His Highness’ speech at the Brussels Summit reflected the Gulf Cooperation Council’s perspective on regional and international issues of mutual concern, stressing that Middle Eastern issues are of significant importance to Europe, just as European matters are particularly relevant to Gulf states, due to the geographical, political, and economic ties between the two regions, as well as the strong historical relationships based on shared interests.
The newspaper concluded its editorial by saying that the outcomes of the first Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union will mark a turning point in the course of relations between the two sides, with significant implications for security
and stability at both the regional and international levels.
Source: Qatar News Agency