Gulf states call for deeper partnership with France — Asharq Al-Awsat
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called for deepening its strategic partnership with France during a joint ministerial meeting in New York, United States, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said relations between the Gulf states and France are based on shared interests and visions, Asharq Al-Awsat reports.
Meeting in New York
The meeting was co-chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. The foreign ministers of GCC member states also took part in the meeting.
Albudaiwi stressed the need to expand cooperation in political, security, economic, investment and technological fields, as well as in energy, defense and education. According to him, France is an important strategic partner for the Gulf states both in relations with countries of the region and in GCC interaction with Europe.
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Shipping and trade
The GCC secretary-general said the Gulf states advocate for the security of maritime routes and freedom of international navigation. He also said the countries of the region insist on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, the restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to the state it was in before February 28, and reject unilateral fees or conditions for the passage of vessels.
According to Albudaiwi, since February 28, the Gulf states have been subjected to Iranian attacks on vital facilities and diplomatic missions, although they were not parties to the war. He welcomed France’s rejection of attacks on the Gulf states and its participation in international efforts aimed at opening the Strait of Hormuz.
Albudaiwi also said that trade turnover between the Gulf states and France exceeded €60 billion. According to him, GCC states are awaiting the second Gulf-Europe summit, scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia.
