In his opening remarks at the final conference of the two-year project, ‘Sharaka–Enhancing Understanding and Cooperation in EU-GCC Relations’, Adam Kulach said there currently were many conventional interactions between the GCC and the EU.
However, there are many areas where the two regions, countries of the EU and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), could explore further cooperation.
He noted that the EU has participated in the development of the entire Gulf region, and the two regions have the potential to expand their areas of cooperation. He added that there have always been additional interests in developing mutual cooperation.
Khalid Al Harbi, managing director of Tawasul, said that Europe and the Gulf region have a number of common interests, ranging from trade and finance, energy and climate change, to education, culture and communications. The two regions are trying to explore how to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two regions, focusing on key strategic areas identified jointly in the joint action programme of 2010.
The day-long symposium reviewed various issues, including EU-GCC energy concerns, environment and climate change, as well as transport and maritime security, media and communications, higher education and scientific research, finance and investments, and economic and trade cooperation. Apart from Oman, the experts who delivered their presentations came from France, Italy, Belgium, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
There were 30 experts who participated in the symposium. The international experts included Dr Emanuele Menichetti, director of renewable energy divisions, OME of France; Professor Natalino Ronzitti, professor of international law and Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) scientific adviser of Italy; Ahmed Al Mukhaini, independent researcher from Oman; Dr Iidiko Kaposi, assistant professor of communication, American University of Kuwait; Dr Abdullah Baabood, director, Gulf Studies Programme, Qatar University; Dr Rym Ayadi, senior research fellow, CEPS Belgium; and Sheikh Salah Al Ma’awali, director general of SME development, Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Oman.
