GCC-EU Council stresses de-escalation between Palestinians and Israelis

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Joint GCC-EU Ministerial Council stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation between Palestinians and Israelis, as well as the release of detainees from both sides.

This was unveiled during a press conference at the 27th session of the Joint GCC-EU Ministerial Council which convened in Muscat.

Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister said that month-long preparations preceded the 27th GCC-EU session held this time in the backdrop of a very serious crisis between Palestine and Israel.

Sayyid Badr described the two-state solution as the best means of achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East.

He added that this solution serves as a point of reference for all relevant Security Council resolutions and principles of the international law.

“Everyone must understand that the only way out and the best means to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East is through the two-state solution, deemed the desired peaceful solution,” Sayyid Badr added.

In other comments, Sayyid Badr underscored the significance of communication towards constructive dialogue between GCC states and the European Union (EU) countries in terms of trade and investment, the activation of economic and commercial cooperation, as well as the consolidation of all policies that achieve growth and prosperity for all.

For his part, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative of for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, affirmed that the GCC-EU meeting was fruitful and that it touched on ways to strengthen the existing partnership between the two sides.

He pointed out that the high-level presence of the European side in Tuesday’s meetings reaffirmed the importance that the European Union attaches to its relations with the GCC.

Speaking about waiving EU entry visa for GCC citizens, Borrell said that the exemption decision requires some consensual measures among member states. Yet, he observed that the European Union decided to facilitate entry procedures for citizens of GCC states by granting long-term entry visas.

During the press conference, Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary General said that the 27th session of the Joint GCC-EU Ministerial Council was in pursuance of a historic partnership that generates opportunities for many countries of the world.

Al Budaiwi also said that the large turnout of participants from the EU reflects the great role assumed by the Sultanate of Oman and the high status attained by GCC states at the regional and international levels.

He valued the high level of cooperation between GCC states and EU countries, and he called for measures to consolidate it.

Al Budaiwi also spoke about the current escalation between Israelis and Palestinians. He stressed that targeting civilians in the Palestinian territories is completely rejected. He hoped that a quick and comprehensive solution to the conflict would be reached soon so that Palestinians could enjoy peace and prosperity.