By Talal Al-Kanderi, KUNA,
Brussels : A senior official of the European Union has expressed his belief that the union and the Gulf Cooperation Council could further boost their relations and cooperation and affirmed significance of the aspired free trade accord to serve this purpose.
“I am impressed with the development and growth of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) into an even more efficient organization with closer cooperation with other parts of the world,” EU Foreign Policy and Security Chief Javier Solana told KUNA Sunday as he headed to the UAE.
The EU senior official heads to the Emirates to start a five-day regional tour that also takes him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Syria.
In exclusive remarks prior to departure, Solana said “It is apparent to me that the GCC and the European Union could further bolster their ties. The next big step is the signing of the free trade agreement between the 27-nation union and 6-state council.” The EU, Solana stressed, hopes this would be accomplished very soon.
To a question on EU-GCC relations, Solana noted progress in relations is “very good”. He remarked the two blocs and regions could no longer be considered remote regions within a small world, now that distance is of less and less impact.
“What was remote 50 years ago is close today. We are now neighbors and are fostering strong ties. And I believe we are in the process of knowing each other better and so I am glad I am going on this tour to visit some of the GCC states at least.” Saying the Gulf region is an important EU partner with constant contact on all levels, Solana added he was eager to hear the views of Gulf leaders on many regional issues including the Middle East Process, the developments in Lebanon and Syria, and developments concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
“The current international state of affairs requires we consult other parties, and particularly on the current financial crisis which brought on new scenarios,” the EU official remarked.
He further added GCC states effectively participated in encouraging and promoting peace and cooperation in the region and that the EU appreciates the effort and is eager to lend its support.
As to why Kuwait is not among the tour stops and whether he is to visit later, Solana said he wishes to go on such visit soon.
He added he had the chance to meet Kuwaiti officials and leaders at many international venues, including a few weeks ago in New York for the UN General Assembly. He noted he meets Arab members’ representatives often and keeps in touch.
Solana was also asked to reflect on the Palestinian Cause and whether he foresees a peace agreement before year end. The EU official said the EU and the whole international community is fully behind this effort.
“We are all working for a resolution for the Palestinian issue and it is important not to waste time, as time is not in our favor. Both Palestinians and Israelis realize this, as well as Arab neighbors and international community.” The EU foreign policy and security chief remarked that the Israelis and Palestinians are holding final-status negotiations for months now. “We would continue to support those parties and particularly through the next few months as new administrations take over in Israel and the US, and possibly in the Palestinian Authority,” Solana said.
He pointed out the Quartet committee is to meet the concerned parties late in the year to consider the progress and result of negotiations and “we are looking forward to that meeting to support the talks.” Solana had earlier states he would during his visit to some GCC states discuss EU-GCC relations, and other key issues in the region.
Solana is to discuss developments in the region as they concern Syria and that country’s relationship with its neighbors during his visit.
In Abu Dhabi today, he is planned to meet UAE President Sheikh Khalifah bin Zayid and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayid and Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayid. The UAE stop is for two days.
Solana visits Riyadh Monday and is to meet the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdelaziz Al-Saud and Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faysal.
Due in Qatar on Tuesday for a two-day stop, Solana is to meet Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah Al-Thani and Prime and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim.
On the last leg of the tour, Solana is to visit Damascus Wednesday and meet President Bashar Al-Assad and Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Muallem as well as Vice President Farouq Al-Share’. This is also to be a two-day stop.