GCC can play major role in push for Israel-Gaza peace, says EU envoy
Gulf states have the expertise that could help end the war in Gaza and pave the way for a two-state solution, the EU’s representative to the Gulf region has told The National.
“The international community knows very well that, without the countries of the GCC [Gulf Co-operation Council], it’s very difficult to grasp the regional dynamics and understand how to solve the issue of the Gaza conflict,” Luigi Di Maio said in Dubai on Thursday.
The war in Gaza has refocused international attention on the need for a long-term solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with western diplomats travelling to the region to discuss postwar scenarios.
The two-state solution has long been held up as an answer and envisages the creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel.
“At the world level, everyone is coming to the region to meet many leaders,” Mr Di Maio said.
“Because what they are saying is creating a precious expertise and know-how in terms of how to set the path for the two-state solutions.”
The former Italian foreign minister praised initiatives led by GCC countries in pursuit of a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as a two-state solution.
“We have to continue to support any kind of initiative that the GCC countries are leading in terms of normalisation and de-escalation in the region,” Mr Di Maio said.
He hailed the role of the UAE, which has been working on a long-term solution including an independent Palestinian state that is fully integrated into the wider region.
“I think that the role [the UAE] plays in the region is not only in leadership to help regional prosperity, but also as an important role in facilitating the diplomatic channels with some countries in the region,” he said.
Mr Di Maio also said a new EU defensive mission in the Red Sea was necessary to protect commercial shipping.
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a campaign of attacks in the international waterway, against ships they say are linked to Israel.
It has caused major shipping companies to stop using the Red Sea – through which almost 15 per cent of global seaborne trade usually passes – and forced them to use a much longer route around southern Africa instead.
The US has led efforts to combat the Houthis in the region, including the creation of a maritime coalition, Operation Prosperity Guardian, in December last year.
The coalition has failed to prevent further attacks on shipping, and was followed up by US and British air strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen.
Last month, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced that the bloc would establish a maritime mission to the Red Sea region.
The EU mission is to be called Aspides, the ancient Greek word for shield, and Mr Di Maio said it will be purely defensive.
“This is why, as the European Union, we are about to officially decide a new autonomous and defensive maritime mission in the Red Sea, called Aspides, in order to protect respective commercial ships that are going through Bab Al Mandeb, the Red Sea and Suez Canal,” he said. The mission is expected to be officially launched at a meeting of the EU’s 27 foreign ministers on Monday.
Mr Di Maio said the mission is aimed at protecting trade and the freedom of navigation, and would benefit from collaboration.
“The EU and its member states want to send a strong message about our clear commitment to defending the freedom of navigation, including in the Red Sea, which is of direct relevance for the GCC countries,” he said.
He said the EU was willing to work closely with the Gulf states “to de-escalate and work for the peace and prosperity of the region”.
The EU appointed Mr Di Maio as its first special representative for the Gulf in May last year.