GCC-EU partnership a pillar of regional and global stability: Al-Yahya

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister and Chairman of the current session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council, Abdullah Al-Yahya, affirmed that security and peace form the cornerstone of sustainable development and shared prosperity, underscoring the importance of closer cooperation between the GCC and the European Union (EU) in addressing accelerating regional and global challenges.

Speaking at the opening of the Second High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the GCC and the EU, hosted by Kuwait on Sunday, Al-Yahya said the event serves as a vital platform for dialogue, the exchange of ideas, and the strengthening of strategic cooperation. He expressed hope that its outcomes would translate into practical steps that meet the shared aspirations of both sides.

Al-Yahya stressed that the GCC regards the EU as a key partner in supporting regional stability and upholding international law, the principles of good neighborliness, and non-interference in internal affairs.

He emphasized that security cooperation forms a central pillar of the GCC-EU partnership, reflected in joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, enhance maritime security, protect vital trade and energy routes, and fight piracy and arms smuggling.

He highlighted cybersecurity as an increasingly critical domain of collaboration, calling for deeper exchanges of expertise, faster response mechanisms, and stronger protection of digital infrastructure.

The minister added that what distinguishes GCC-EU cooperation is its foundation in shared values, mutual interests, and a forward-looking vision, aimed at developing innovative frameworks that adapt to global shifts while promoting international peace and security.

On regional developments, Al-Yahya condemned the recent Israeli attacks, describing them as “a flagrant breach of legal and humanitarian norms.” He reaffirmed Kuwait’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, urging an end to occupation policies of “repression, displacement, and starvation,” and calling for urgent international action to ensure the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

He praised the EU’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and advance a just and comprehensive peace, welcoming the recognition of the State of Palestine by several European nations, and calling on others to follow suit.

Regarding Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations, Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for Iraq’s stability and prosperity, urging the Iraqi government to resolve outstanding issues in line with international law and UN resolutions — including the return of Kuwaiti prisoners, missing persons, property, and archives; completing maritime border demarcation beyond Marker 162; and implementing the Khor Abdullah navigation and security agreements.

He stressed Iraq’s obligation to respect Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which he said would enhance good neighborly relations and contribute to regional stability.

Al-Yahya also condemned Israel’s recent aggression against the State of Qatar, describing it as a “flagrant violation of international law and a serious threat to regional and international peace.”

He urged the UN Security Council and the international community to take immediate and decisive action to halt such attacks.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Yahya expressed hope that the forum would yield tangible results that enhance security, stability, and cooperation between the GCC and the EU, saying, “We hope our deliberations today will help consolidate our strategic partnership, serve the interests of our peoples, and promote peace and prosperity regionally and globally.”

— KUNA

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