GCC, EU discuss strengthening strategic cooperation

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi discussed Monday with the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between the GCC and the EU. The GCC General Secretariat said in a statement that the talks took place during Al-Budaiwi's meeting with Kallas in the Belgian capital, Brussels. The two sides stressed the need to intensify international efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in a manner that preserves the region's security and stability. They also underscored the importance of ensuring security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as a vital international waterway for the stability of the global economy and the uninterrupted flow of trade and energy supplies. The meeting also included an exchange of views on the latest regional developments and their repercussions.