His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, led the UAE delegation at the first GCC-European Union Summit held today in the Belgian capital Brussels. The summit marks a significant milestone in enhancing cooperation between the GCC and the EU and addressing mutual challenges.
During his participation, Sheikh Maktoum said the summit offered a unique opportunity for constructive dialogue to advance mutual development. The event fostered an extensive exchange of perspectives on addressing cross-border challenges, promoting growth, and accelerating global progress. It also placed particular focus on green transformation, clean energy, and other critical areas shaping the future.
“We are committed to strengthening our strategic partnership with the European Union to enhance productive collaboration across key sectors. The UAE’s participation in the GCC-EU summit reflects its strong belief in the importance of international cooperation and its crucial role in driving sustainable global development,” he further said.
Cooperation across key areas
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to exploring new avenues for growing the GCC-European partnership. He said expanding cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and social areas will benefit the people of both regions and create new pathways for progress.
“The summit aligns with the aspirations of GCC countries and their commitment to fostering global dialogue and cooperation. This approach has long been a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategy, with its leadership offering steadfast support to ensure its success,” he added.
Sheikh Maktoum also welcomed initiatives to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange with the European Union. In addition, he praised the EU’s key role in addressing regional and global challenges. Furthermore, he stressed the need for joint efforts to ensure security, stability, and peace in the Middle East while tackling humanitarian concerns.
Read: Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed arrives in Brussels for inaugural GCC-European Union Summit
UAE-EU trade and investment ties
The UAE is a key strategic partner of the EU in the Middle East, working together to foster sustainable development and enhance regional stability. The two sides share strong ties in trade, investment, tourism, scientific research, artificial intelligence, technology, sustainability, green transformation, and renewable energy.
In 2023, the EU became the second-largest trading partner of the GCC region, with total trade reaching €170 billion.
Apart from trade and economic cooperation, the partnership also encompasses cultural and scientific collaboration, and initiatives to promote gender balance and enhance women’s participation across diverse sectors.
During the summit, the presidency of the Council of the European Union expressed the hope that the event would usher in a new era of cooperation between the two sides, delivering practical results and addressing mutual challenges.
The summit featured an opening speech by H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar and President of the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and addresses by H.E. Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, H.E. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
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