EU–GCC partnership enters a new era of strategic cooperation at 29th Joint Ministerial Meeting
The Times Kuwait Report
The 29th Joint Ministerial Meeting marked a new level of maturity in the partnership between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Co-chaired by Her Excellency Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and His Excellency Abdullah Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, the meeting demonstrated the strength, balance, and mutual respect that now define the dialogue between both sides.
Luigi Di Maio who has been serving as EU Special Representative for the Gulf region since June 1, 2023, said it was not only a continuation of political engagement but also a confirmation that cooperation between the two regions is now strategic, comprehensive, and forward-looking. Both the EU and the GCC came to Kuwait with the same conviction that their partnership is essential to addressing regional and global challenges, from security and stability to climate change and sustainable growth.
The outcomes of the meeting were substantial and concrete. The Joint Statement reflected a shared commitment to deepen cooperation on regional security, energy transition, trade, and investment, as well as to strengthen joint work on humanitarian and diplomatic issues.
It also sent a clear and unified message on the situation in Gaza, where both the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council expressed support for President Trump’s peace plan as a basis to end the war and move toward a comprehensive and lasting settlement. This included reaffirming a joint commitment to the two-state solution, respect for international law, and the protection of civilians, he said.
Di Maio, added, the meeting also set the stage for the next milestone: the EU–GCC Business Forum, to be held in Kuwait City on 5 November, in the presence of European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič. The forum will focus on strengthening trade, investment, and clean technology partnerships between the two regions.
The EU Special Representative went on to say, for the first time, both sides articulated a clear, operational agenda that includes the establishment of a joint working group on counterterrorism, enhanced maritime and cyber cooperation, and new initiatives on renewable energy and connectivity.
This meeting confirmed that the EU–GCC partnership is not only about dialogue but also about delivering real results for peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
Kuwait’s organization and hospitality during the event, Di Maio said, were exemplary. From the professionalism of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the warm welcome extended to all delegations, every aspect reflected Kuwait’s long-standing diplomatic tradition and its role as a bridge builder in the region.
Hosting this meeting in Kuwait was also symbolic, as it underlined the country’s commitment to dialogue, moderation, and multilateralism — values that are at the heart of the EU–GCC partnership.
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