ABU DHABI: Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al Sheikh participated in a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi between the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
The meeting, hosted by the UAE, was also attended by President of the Federal National Council Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Chairman of Oman’s Shura Council Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Qatar’s Shura Council member Yousef bin Ali bin Yousef Al Khater, and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
A joint statement was issued following the meeting, expressing deep appreciation to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the generous hospitality that contributed to the success of the gathering. Gratitude was also extended to the UAE government and people for hosting the meeting and to the Federal National Council for its role in the organization.
Participants praised the strong strategic partnership between the GCC and the European Union, built on mutual respect and shared interests in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. They reaffirmed the outcomes of the first Gulf-European Summit held in Brussels in October 2024 as a guiding framework to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance parliamentary cooperation.
The meeting highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue on regional and global issues, especially in areas such as climate change, energy security, sustainable development, counterterrorism, and the promotion of tolerance and coexistence.
Discussions also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and infrastructure in accordance with international law. The attendees called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, and the delivery of sustainable humanitarian aid. They reaffirmed support for a two-state solution as the path to a just and lasting peace.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, the participants expressed support for ending the conflict and welcomed Gulf efforts in mediation, humanitarian aid, and maritime security. They underscored the war’s human toll and its implications for global stability.
Amid rising tensions in the Arabian Gulf region, both sides stressed the importance of de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue to safeguard regional and international security.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continue strategic dialogue and hold annual meetings between Gulf and European parliamentary bodies, recognizing their essential role in advancing Gulf-European relations. A message of thanks was sent to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and to Saqr Ghobash and the GCC General Secretariat for their efforts in organizing the successful event.
