The European Union describe the joint work programmed with the GCC as being “successful and useful”
“The joint blueprint has provided a practical framework for joint activities and contribute to boosting cooperation in all fields,” Michael Maan, Chief Spokesperson to High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Baroness Catherine Ashton, said.
He said that the EU member states have still to reach a consensus of including so-called Hezbollah on the list of terror organizations.
Michael Maan affirmed the importance of the EU-GCC joint work programme in bolstering bilateral relations, activating cooperation with regards to trade, academic, research and intellectual institutions.
On the upcoming GCC-EU ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in Bahrain on June 30, he described the Arabian Gulf regional as a “vital trade hub”, stressing favourable business opportunities for GCC-EU companies.
The Chief Spokesperson asserted the EU commitment to the establishment of the much-awaited free-trade agreement with the GCC member states.
“The only pending issue concerns the taxes to be levied on exports”, he said, stressing the possibility of overcoming this obstacle with enough political will.
He stressed concordant stances between the EU and GCC regarding key political issues, including the three Iranian-occupied Emirati islands.