The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) agreed to enhance bilateral ties during a meeting held on Monday in the margins of the EU's regular foreign affairs, Xinhua reported.
High representative for foreign affairs and security policy Catherine Ashton, told a news conference that she believed this meeting confirms both sides aspirations to have more strategic relationships.
"Regional stability, counter terrorism, human rights, economic cooperation can benefit from increased dialogue between the EU and the GCC," she said.
According to the high representative, the two sides have endorsed the joint action plan for strengthened cooperation which covers areas of global economic governance, energy, education, counter terrorism for example.
"We also had an exchange of views on the free trade agreement and I hope we'll make a final political effort to conclude the negotiations," Ashton said.
Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al- Sabah, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and Chairman of the GCC,they talked about issues like weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, dialogue between cultures.
"We'll continue our discussion on the Middle East peace process and other regional issues over the dinner," he added.
A.B.H. al Attiyah, Secretary General of the GCC, said in fact the EU-GCC plan of action which was negotiated by senior officials covers different areas of mutual interest such as environment, economic and financial and monetary cooperation, investment, trade, energy, transport and culture and mutual understanding.
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