Pedro Sánchez calls for cooperation between Arabs and Europeans to address global challenges.

The President of the Government of Spain participated in the first EU–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit held in Brussels, aimed at strengthening closer relations with these countries, strategic partners in the current complex geopolitical context.

The summit took place in a particularly sensitive context due to the situation in the Middle East, which especially affects GCC countries. Under the theme “Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity,” the summit reflects recognition of the role played by the Gulf States in two key neighborhoods for the EU (the Middle East and North Africa), as well as their growing importance in economic security.

During the meeting, the President of the Government emphasized that the principles and values of the United Nations Charter, as well as respect for international law, must be the common pillars guiding relations between the two regions. He reiterated the call to advance a political solution; achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon; end the violence in the West Bank; guarantee humanitarian access for civilians; secure the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas; and urged the international community to suspend arms transfers to Israel. “At this moment, the priority is to stop the conflict,” he stated.

In this regard, he called on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid an escalation leading to a regional open war. Only through the implementation of the two-State solution can a sustainable and lasting regional peace be achieved, he explained. Joining efforts between the European Union and the GCC States to convene an International Peace Conference is essential.

In similar terms, the President referred to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, stressing that respect for international law must also apply in a war that constitutes a clear violation of its most basic principles by Russia. In this respect, and in all other areas, the EU–GCC partnership plays a central role.

EU–GCC Strategic Partnership

Cooperation in areas such as trade and the fight against climate change—where Gulf countries play a key role—is essential for the EU’s economic security and for strengthening its strategic autonomy. The President underlined that this relationship is an example of how trade openness and partnership-building help diversify dependencies and reduce vulnerabilities.

Pedro Sánchez advocated strengthening these commercial ties and advancing toward a model of economic security that does not lead to protectionist policies. This requires a regional approach that allows all countries in the region to progress. In this regard, he reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to contributing to such development.

In this context, an important aspect of the relationship—guided by addressing common challenges—is the fight against the climate emergency, a global challenge that both EU and GCC States must confront with determination.

The joint EU–GCC statement includes a commitment to deepen the strategic partnership and elevate it to the next level, in line with the 2022–2027 Joint Action Plan, across trade, political, energy, and climate dimensions.

Bilateral Meetings

On the margins of the Summit, the President of the Government held two bilateral meetings. For the first time, he met with the Prime Minister of Kuwait, Ahmad Al-Abdullah, with whom he reviewed the main issues of interest in bilateral relations. They also discussed Kuwait’s priorities as the upcoming rotating presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Both leaders shared the conviction that Arabs and Europeans must work together for peace and uphold the values and principles of a rules-based international order.

The second meeting was with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

The President expressed appreciation for his country’s mediation efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region, as well as the shared determination to end violence and realize the two-State solution.