The leaders of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council will meet on October 24 in Saudi Arabia for their second joint summit. This meeting occurs in a context of tensions between Iran and the United States, amid instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
The October summit will follow the first meeting held on October 16, 2024, in Brussels, which included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The recent escalation of conflicts in the region, especially following the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, 2023, has led to an increase in political contacts between both parties.
António Costa, President of the European Council, emphasized that the strategic partnership between the EU and the GCC is based on a commitment to dialogue and coordination to promote peace, security, and prosperity at both local and global levels. In his statements, Costa said it is time to “deepen” a relationship he considers increasingly interconnected. “The EU-GCC strategic alliance is grounded in political dialogue, coordination, and commitment, aiming to promote peace, security, and prosperity globally and regionally, for the benefit of the peoples of our regions and the world. Our past, present, and future are interconnected,” he commented.
Currently, the EU stands as the second largest trading partner of the Gulf countries, maintaining a cooperation agreement since 1989 that spans multiple sectors, including economy, energy, climate, and environment. During 2025, the volume of trade between the EU and the six GCC countries is estimated at 165.600 billion euros, with 110.000 billion in European exports and 55.600 billion in imports, representing an approximate growth of 30% over the last decade, largely due to fuel imports that account for more than 75% of European purchases.
Source: www.infobae.com
