Catherine Ashton, EU High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security Policies addressing a Press conference on Sunday in Manama said the GCC has emerged as vital partner of EU in trade, political, social and cultural sectors.
“EU has been working very closely with the GCC as a bloc to explore the possibilities of enhancing the ties in all vital areas,” Ashton, said.
“EU has been working closely with the GCC in political, economic and it is an opportunity to be in Bahrain to meet the foreign ministers of partner countries. During the GCC-EU meeting we have discussed many issues including the political, economic and areas of mutual interest,” she said.
“This meeting in Bahrain is follow up on previous meeting in Luxembourg and I am pleased that both GCC and EU officials have had done a commendable job by addressing the outstanding issues. This meeting will help us to solidify the relations between the two sides including the FTAs,” she said.
On Syrian conflict, she said, the EU wants a political solution for this conflict which will serve as long lasting solution for the people of Syria.
The EU High Commissioner also underlined the importance of the humanitarian aid to Syria and support to those countries having difficulties in hosting huge number of refugees fleeing Syria.
“The EU has committed over euro1.25billion and we will continue to work with Syria and other countries those who have been affected by this conflict,” she said.