The European Union decided today, Monday, to grant a multiple-entry visa to all citizens of the six Arab Gulf states, or what is known as a “Schengen” visa, for a period of five years.
The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, said during a European-Gulf forum, “I welcome a decision adopted by the European Commission this morning to harmonize the rules for granting multiple-entry visas to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.”
The French ambassador in Riyadh, Ludovic Pouille, wrote through his account on the “X” social media platform: “Saudi citizens will now be able to obtain (Schengen) visas for a period of 5 years upon their first request,” noting that the European decision was strongly supported by Paris, and “ We look forward to seeing more Saudis in France, whether for tourism or work.”
On his part, Jassim Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, explained that holding the forum confirms the great interest in relations with the European Union, adding: “We are facing a dangerous turning point with disastrous consequences if we are not able to deal with the negative developments in the region.”
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