Munich, February 16, 2025 — On the sidelines of the 61st Munich Security Conference in Germany, Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held an important meeting with Dr. Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany. The two leaders engaged in productive discussions focused on enhancing the relationship between the GCC and the European Union (EU), as well as exploring avenues for deeper collaboration on regional and international issues.
One of the key topics addressed during the meeting was the status of GCC-European relations, particularly in the context of the outcomes of the first Gulf-European Summit. The two sides emphasized the critical need to resume negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and the EU, recognizing the significant economic and political benefits that such an agreement would bring to both parties. The resumption of FTA talks is seen as a vital step in strengthening the economic ties between the Gulf region and Europe, facilitating greater trade and investment flows, and fostering closer economic integration.
In addition to trade discussions, Albudaiwi and Lindner explored various opportunities for cooperation between the GCC and the EU across a broad spectrum of fields. They agreed on the importance of joint coordination to promote regional and international security and stability. This includes addressing shared challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and the geopolitical complexities in both regions. Their dialogue highlighted the significance of collaboration in navigating an increasingly interconnected and volatile global landscape, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure lasting peace and security.
The two sides also underscored the urgency of intensifying international efforts to support the Palestinian cause. They reaffirmed their commitment to working toward achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, based on relevant international and UN resolutions. This included a focus on the importance of a two-state solution, which remains central to addressing the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and promoting stability in the region.
Moreover, the meeting provided an opportunity for both leaders to exchange views on a range of other regional and international issues, including developments in the broader Middle East, the European security environment, and global efforts to address humanitarian crises. Their discussions reflected a shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties, enhancing mutual understanding, and fostering cooperative solutions to global challenges.
As the meeting concluded, both Albudaiwi and Lindner expressed optimism about the future of GCC-European relations, stressing the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration. They agreed that the GCC and the EU, as key actors on the global stage, must work together to address the pressing issues of today and build a more secure, stable, and prosperous future for their respective regions and the world.