The European Union will intensify its engagement and contacts in the Gulf region following the recent Saudi-Iranian agreement brokered by China to resume diplomatic relations, a senior EU official said here on Friday.
Speaking to reporters on the condition of anonymity, the official described the agreement as “positive for regional security.” “The situation in the region is changing with new developments. We will continue to talk to Saudi Arabia, Iran and friends in the Gulf. We have clear ideas on security in the Gulf,” he noted.
Foreign Ministers of the 27-member bloc are expected to discuss the issue during their formal meeting in Brussels on Monday.
They will also discuss a new package of sanctions on Iran related to human rights, noted the EU official.
Further, the ministers will discuss the Russian war against Ukraine and exchange views on Tunisia.
The official described the latest developments in Tunisia as “worrisome” due to serious human and fundamental rights violations and deteriorating economic situation.
Tunisia is an important partner in the EU’s immediate vicinity whose stability has a direct impact on European security.
The EU’s interest in a close partnership with Tunisia has further increased in the current geopolitical context, marked by the Russian war against Ukraine, he noted.
In the afternoon, EU foreign affairs ministers will hold a joint session with EU defence ministers to discuss the implementation of the Strategic Compass one year after its approval, and EU military support to Ukraine.
The Compass sets out an ambitious path to further strengthen the EU as a capable actor and reliable partner in security and defence over the next 10 years. (end) nk.ibi
Source: Kuwait News Agency