GCC, EU Parliament look into bilateral ties amid talks

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretary general Jassem Al-Budawi held talks on Sunday with a visiting delegation from the European Parliament, focusing on efforts to bolster the six-member bloc's ties with the EU's legislative wing. Receiving the European Parliament delegation, headed by member Reinhold Lopatka, the GCC chief and the contingent from the EU's legislative wing discussed views over the "ideal" ways to propel relations to greater levels, the Riyadh-based bloc said in a statement. Hailing the visit as an opportunity to push forward bilateral cooperation, the GCC chief said that reaching out to the international community was a core priority for the bloc, added the statement.