"I am pleased to announce the opening of an EU Delegation in the United Arab Emirates, as this decision highlights the importance both of our geo-strategic interests in and our political and economic ties with this country, as well as with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a whole," she said in a statement.
Until now Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, was the EU’s only permanent diplomatic representation in the six GCC member countries, covering relations with the GCC as well as with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.
Ashton also decided to open a Delegation in Myanmar and close the EU Delegation in Suriname.
