EU sets talks with GCC states on strategic partnerships
Negotiations will start 'as soon as possible,' the EU Commission, the bloc's legislative arm, said. The complementary agreement negotiations are expected to go ahead with UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
'There is huge untapped potential in the EU's relationship with the Gulf region. As of today, we will negotiate bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreements with the six Gulf partners,' the EU's foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, said on Friday.
The aim of the strategic partnership agreements 'is to provide for an ambitious, modern, comprehensive and effective framework for bilateral co-operation tailored to the shared priorities and objectives of the EU and each respective GCC partner,' the press statement read.
Commissioner for trade and economic security Maros Sefcovic said that the agreements would provide a 'major boost' to trade and investment relations. The negotiations framework includes a wide range of topics, including foreign and security policy, justice and law enforcement, and trade and investment.
The EU has also struck strategic partnership agreements with allies including Canada in 2016 and Japan in 2019.
Strategic partnership agreements with GCC countries 'will also allow for strengthening our co-operation at regional level to build peace and promote stability and prosperity in the broader Middle East,' said Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica.
The talks will complement existing EU – Gulf co-operation frameworks, including continuing regional and bilateral negotiations on free trade agreements.
The EU and GCC have sought in recent years to revive talks on a free-trade agreement that stalled in 2008. In 2023, the EU was the GCC's second largest import partner, at €93.8 billion ($102 billion), and fourth-largest export partner, at €76.3 billion.
In April, the UAE and the EU separately agreed to begin talks on a potential free trade deal.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Less than two weeks left to enter Big Ticket's July promotion – Don't miss your chance to win big
As July winds down, time is running out to grab your chance at Big Ticket's incredible cash prizes, including a spot in The Big Win Contest, where four finalists will walk away guaranteed with Dh20,000 to Dh150,000. To qualify, customers must purchase two or more cash tickets in a single transaction by July 24. Once entries close, four participants will be selected and invited to attend the live draw on August 3 in Abu Dhabi, where they'll be awarded their guaranteed prizes on stage. The Big Win Contest is just one exciting part of Big Ticket's wider July campaign. At the center of this month's draw is the grand prize of Dh20 million, alongside six bonus cash prizes of Dh50,000 each, all set to be announced during the live draw on August 3. But the winning starts before August. Big Ticket's weekly e-draws are already underway, awarding Dh50,000 to four winners each week. With two draws complete, there's still Dh400,000 in weekly prizes waiting to be claimed over the next two weeks. Car lovers aren't left out either. The Dream Car series continues with a Range Rover Velar up for grabs on August 3, followed by a BMW M440i draw on 3rd September. To boost your chances, take advantage of Big Ticket's limited-time July ticket bundles: Buy 2, Get 1 Free (online) Buy 2, Get 2 Free for Big Ticket (airport counters) Buy 2, Get 3 Free for Dream Car (airport counters) With new opportunities to win and heartfelt stories from real customers, Big Ticket continues to make each month more rewarding than the last. Tickets are available online at or at counters located in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport. For all the latest news and updates on upcoming draws, everyone is encouraged to follow Big Ticket's social media platforms. The weekly E-draw dates:
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE seeks youth to represent nation at UN in New York
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Mission to the United Nations, and Federal Youth Authority are seeking UAE citizens aged between 20 and 26 years old who are fluent in Arabic and English to represent the country at the UN General Assembly and Ecosoc forums in New York. Registration is open for the prestigious Youth Delegate Programme that puts participants directly into international decision-making rooms. Young Emiratis have until July 28 to apply. 'The programme gives young Emiratis a voice on global platforms and directly connects them to international decision-making,' former youth delegate Eman AlSeyabi told Khaleej Times. 'The biggest opportunity this programme offers is a seat at the table — engaging with global leaders and representing UAE youth at the UN.' The programme aligns with the UAE's vision of empowering youth as global change agents, offering direct exposure to diplomacy and multilateral work. Participants gain access to professional networks and pathways for future leadership while contributing to UN discussions on youth affairs. Selected delegates will commit from three weeks to two months, beginning with UAE-based preparation before joining official UN meetings in New York. Participants will deliver speeches, engage in high-level dialogues, and prepare policy briefs alongside the UAE mission. The programme demands strong communication skills, research abilities, and deep understanding of global challenges affecting youth. AlSeyabi noted: 'It enhanced my skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and global thinking, while deepening my sense of responsibility toward youth advocacy.' Beyond personal development, the initiative strengthens the UAE's international presence. 'The programme truly showcases the UAE's commitment to youth empowerment and strengthens its soft power globally,' added AlSeyabi, underlining how delegates introduce Emirati youth success stories to the global community abroad. For potential applicants feeling overwhelmed by the diplomatic scope, AlSeyabi gave a word of encouragement: 'Don't hesitate. This programme transforms you personally and professionally. Believe in your voice.' 'For serious applicants that want to stand out, you should focus on global issues, strong communication skills, and a clear vision for youth impact,' AlSeyabi pointed out. Registration is available through the Federal Youth Authority's official website, and more details can be found on their social media page.
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
President Boakai Departs Liberia to Attend West Africa Economic Summit in Nigeria
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., departed the country earlier today, June 19, 2025, to participate in the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), taking place from June 20–21, 2025, in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The West Africa Economic Summit brings together Heads of State, senior government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners from across the region to explore strategies for accelerating trade, investment, and regional integration. The summit is a key platform for shaping policies and partnerships that promote sustainable economic growth, job creation, and industrial development across West Africa. President Boakai is scheduled to address the WAES Forum, where he will articulate Liberia's vision for economic transformation and present investment opportunities in critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, and digital innovation. He will also hold a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with fellow regional leaders, investors, and institutions to advance Liberia's development agenda and secure meaningful economic partnerships. The WAES is being convened in fulfillment of a commitment made by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his chairmanship of ECOWAS in 2023 to organize a special summit focused on trade and investment in the region. The forum will culminate in the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government on Sunday, June 22, where leaders will deliberate on pressing regional issues including economic cooperation, peace and security, and sustainable development. The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the following officials: 1. Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti – Minister of Foreign Affairs 2. Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan – Minister of Finance and Development Planning 3. Hon. Magdalene Dagoseh – Minister of Commerce 4. Hon. Alexander Nuetah – Minister of Agriculture 5. Hon. Wilmot Paye – Minister of Mines and Energy 6. Hon. Jerolinmek Piah – Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture 7. Hon. Jeff Blibo – Chairman, National Investment Commission 8. Hon. Samuel A. Stevquoah – Minister of State Without Portfolio for Special Services 9. Hon. Samuel Kofi Woods II – National Security Advisor 10. Hon. Morley Kamara – Senior Economic Advisor to the President 11. Hon. Sekou Dukuly – Managing Director, National Port Authority 12. Hon. Amos Tweh – Managing Director, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company 13. Hon. Christopher Onanuga – Special Envoy for Tourism 14. Hon. Mohammed Bah – Special Envoy for Trade and Investments This President is also traveling with his teams on communication, security and protocol. While the President is away, the Minister of Justice, Cllr. Oswald Tweh, will chair the Cabinet in consultation with the President via telephone, ensuring continued oversight and coordination of national governance. Following the conclusion of the summit, the President and his delegation will return to Liberia on Monday, June 23, 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.
