Enhanced political and economic cooperation between the European Union and the Gulf states will benefit Latvia's economy and security. This was underlined by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa on 16 October at the first European Union (EU) - Gulf Summit in Brussels.
The summit brought together leaders from the two regions to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade and energy, as well as to address global challenges in compliance with international law, the principles of the UN Charter and the rules-based international order.
"The first summit between the European Union and the Gulf states is a testament to our ever growing cooperation. Closer economic relations with the Gulf region will open up new opportunities for Latvia in the areas of investment and trade. We share common goals - peace, security and prosperity. We agreed with our partners that economic growth cannot be achieved in the absence of security. This is why close cooperation is essential to confront common global challenges and threats, including Russia's war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East," said E. Siliņa.
The summit is an important milestone in the EU-Gulf relations, as both regions become strategic partners. The summit addressed the mutual benefits of partnership in the fields of energy, trade and security, as well as solutions for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The participants of the summit agreed on the Joint Statement of the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council that highlights the need for closer strategic cooperation to benefit the people of both regions.
The Gulf Cooperation Council brings together six countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
