Davos, January 23, 2025 – Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held an important meeting on Wednesday with Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, during the 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The high-level discussion between the two leaders focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the Gulf region and Europe, aiming to advance shared interests and foster greater collaboration in several key areas
The meeting was a significant step in deepening the ties between the GCC and European institutions. Both Albudaiwi and Berset emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including political, security, and economic spheres. They explored new opportunities for aligning their efforts to address regional and global challenges, while also promoting sustainable growth and stability.
A key point of discussion was the Joint Action Programme for 2022-2027, a comprehensive framework that outlines practical mechanisms for enhancing cooperation between the GCC and the European Union. This programme provides a roadmap for future engagement, with concrete proposals for joint initiatives that focus on strengthening political dialogue, improving security collaboration, and expanding economic partnerships. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of effective implementation of this programme to ensure that both regions can maximize the potential of their relationship.
Albudaiwi and Berset also underscored the need for continued collaboration in tackling pressing global issues such as climate change, energy transition, and cybersecurity, with a focus on fostering innovation and technology exchanges. The GCC, with its significant energy resources, and the EU, with its expertise in green technologies, are well-positioned to work together to advance shared goals related to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment of both sides to mutual growth and development, with a particular emphasis on the potential to leverage their respective strengths in advancing the prosperity of both regions. As the world continues to face complex economic and geopolitical challenges, the strengthening of the GCC-Europe partnership is seen as an important step in promoting peace, security, and shared economic success.
This meeting in Davos marks another chapter in the evolving relationship between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Council of Europe, reflecting their shared vision for a more connected and prosperous future. As both sides look toward the future, the collaboration between the GCC and Europe holds the promise of creating a more unified approach to addressing global challenges and seizing new opportunities for growth and development.