Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman attends EU-GCC summit in Brussels
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a high-profile appearance at the EU-GCC summit in Brussels, marking a significant step in his return to the international stage following the Jamal Khashoggi controversy. The summit focused on key geopolitical issues, with the EU pressing for stronger condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, while the Gulf states pushed for tougher criticism of Israel’s policies in Gaza and Lebanon.
Despite concerns from human rights groups, the EU and GCC worked towards a joint statement, highlighting their commitment to regional de-escalation and energy cooperation. However, differences on Iran’s nuclear advances and diplomatic approaches were evident, with Gulf states advocating for a diplomatic resolution.
Aside from geopolitics, leaders discussed trade, travel, and energy cooperation, aiming to revive long-stalled trade talks and simplify travel for citizens. The summit showcased the complexities of aligning EU and GCC interests, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding in navigating regional conflicts and trade relations.