BRUSSELS: The Majlis Ash’shura participated in the second meeting of the heads of legislative councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with the European Parliament, held at the European Parliament headquarters in Brussels.
The Omani delegation was headed by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash’shura. The meeting was chaired by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and attended by Jassim bin Mohammed al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC.
The meeting discussed ways to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the GCC countries and the European Union (EU), including regular dialogue, closer institutional ties and the exchange of views on key regional and international issues.
Participants explored opportunities to translate shared interests into a sustainable strategic partnership by promoting open trade, improving regional connectivity and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Discussions also covered regional security, including security in the Gulf region and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as well as developments in European security and the wider implications of the Russia-Ukraine war.
The meeting highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and coordination on issues of common interest. Participants also exchanged expertise on legislation and parliamentary practices.
The meeting approved a joint final statement for submission to the second GCC-EU Summit, scheduled to be held later this year. The statement aims to align parliamentary initiatives with the political and economic priorities of GCC and EU leaders.
The meeting followed the first gathering, held in Abu Dhabi in June 2025, and sought to deepen Gulf-European parliamentary relations and expand cooperation across trade, investment, energy, security, education, culture and tourism.
The joint statement described the partnership between Europe and the Arabian Gulf region as an important pillar amid global uncertainty. It called for a deeper strategic partnership with a stronger parliamentary dimension and highlighted the importance of secure and sustainable maritime, land, air and digital connectivity to support trade, energy, investment and security.
Participants also stressed the importance of mutual understanding, parliamentary engagement and people-to-people exchanges, including greater mobility and cultural, educational and tourism cooperation. — ONA
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