BRUSSELS, Belgium
The leaders of the European Union (EU) and Gulf countries have expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire, according to a joint statement issued here on Tuesday.
In the statement issued after
the first summit between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which
groups Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates,
they called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, the
exchange of Palestinian prisoners and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilian
population.
"We reaffirm our
unwavering commitment to the realization of the right of the Palestinian people
to self-determination through the two-state solution where Israel and Palestine
live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, along the 1967
lines," said the statement.
They also said they are
"extremely concerned by dangerous escalation in Lebanon" and called
for an immediate ceasefire.
"We will work together to
promote global and regional security and prosperity, including preventing the
emergence and escalation of conflicts and resolving crises by enhancing our
dialogue, coordination and engagement," the statement added.
In addition, the two sides
agreed to increase trade, investment and economic cooperation, enhance energy
cooperation and the fight against climate change and strengthen connectivity
between their regions. They plan to step up engagements on development and
humanitarian aid.
Moreover, they underscored
"the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting
peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the Charter of the United
Nations."
The meeting concluded with an
agreement to hold a summit every two years, with the next scheduled to take
place in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
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