Doha: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Dr. Majed Mohammed Al Ansari emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Gulf countries and the European Union (EU) politically, economically, and in terms of security, noting that such cooperation constitutes a fundamental pillar for achieving regional and global stability.
According to Qatar News Agency, this was highlighted during a panel discussion titled "Gulf-EU Relations in the Age of Strategic Isolation," held on the sidelines of the first day of the Doha Forum 2025. The panel included key figures such as HE Member of Parliament, Deputy Head of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group at the German Bundestag Dr. Norbert Rottgen; President of the Advisory Board of the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) Dr. Paolo Magri; and Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center Dr. Abdulaziz Sager. The discussion was moderated by Caroline Kanter, Deputy Head of the European and International Cooperation Division at Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).
Dr. Al Ansari pointed out that recent global geopolitical shifts, including the US announcement of its National Security Strategy, indicate a gradual shift of American focus away from the Middle East and Europe. This shift underscores the need for stronger direct cooperation between the Gulf and Europe. He highlighted that strategic cooperation should focus on conflict resolution, international mediation, and global energy security. He explained that the stability of global energy markets is reliant on maritime security and regulatory understanding between energy suppliers and consumers.
He noted the Gulf region's significance as one of the world's largest suppliers of gas and oil, emphasizing that the stability of regions like the South China Sea directly impacts global supply. He added that European cooperation is essential for ensuring demand stability and market equilibrium.
Dr. Al Ansari also stressed the importance of expediting negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the EU, citing the absence of technical relations as a barrier to understanding shared interests and facilitating exchanges, including Schengen visa exemptions for Gulf citizens. He emphasized building bilateral partnerships based on mutual respect and cultural diversity, pointing out that European values established post-World War II align with those of the Gulf.
The panel participants highlighted the underutilized potential in Gulf-EU relations, noting that the global order is experiencing an erosion of international norms and a weakening of institutions, influenced by major powers' regional dominance efforts. They stressed the need for a broader strategic vision beyond immediate neighborhoods and enhancing cooperation with middle powers to promote global stability.
The panel concluded with a call for advanced policy recommendations to strengthen Gulf-EU cooperation, particularly in security, economy, and societal connectivity, as vital elements for stable future relations between the two sides.