The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, has on Wednesday arrived in the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Michel was received at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) by Deputy Foreign Minister for Protocol Affairs, Abdul-Majeed Al-Smari, and the head of the Saudi mission to the EU and the European Atomic Energy Community, Haifa Al-Jedea.
The President of the European Council is on a tour to the Gulf region, from August 27-29. During the visit, Michel will hold consultations on the upcoming summit between the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which will take place in October, the European Council said in a press release.
Furthermore, Michel will discuss a broad range of issues, including the crisis in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as all relevant aspects of bilateral cooperation.
In Riyadh, the President of the European Council will meet with the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman. Moreover, he will meet with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Al Budaiwi.
Michel’s tour will also involve other GCC countries, where he will engage in discussions and consultations as part of the preparations for the upcoming EU-GCC Summit. The first-ever summit will take place on October 16, 2024 in Brussels.
Owing to the flourishing relations between the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council in recent years, the EU-GCC Summit will provide an opportunity for leaders of the EU and GCC countries to underscore their joint commitment to strengthening their cooperation across various fields to build a partnership based on sustainable prosperity and stability for both sides.
