EU steps up for GCC ties

BRUSSELS, Oct 16, (KUNA): The European Union is preparing a new policy paper to be ready by next year on strengthening relations with the 6-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said a senior EU official.

EU foreign ministers will discuss this policy paper during their meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters in Brussels Friday.

“We think there is an opportunity now to engage more with the Gulf and on Monday the ministers will provide ideas on that will feed on the joint Communication (policy paper) we are preparing for next year on the relationship with the Gulf,” the official said noted.

“One of the key documents that we will be producing will be a joint Communication between the European Commission and the European External Actions Service. That Communication will cover every aspect of our relationship with the GCC. That will be a very broad document that should be published around spring next year”.

“There are some positive dynamics in the GCC, so we have an opportunity now of establishing closer institutional relations with the GCC. We are talking about the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement,” the official said, noting that either next November or December the EU and GCC will hold their political dialogue.

The EU High Representative Josep Borrell will be soon visiting other GCC countries like Kuwait, the source said, noting that Borrell recently visited Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.