The EU and the Gulf stage a rapprochement amid the escalating war in the Middle East

by time news

2024-10-16 19:36:00

In full escalation of violence In Near Eastthe leaders of European Union (EU) and the Gulf countries they gave meeting for the first time in Brusselsin the vertex marked by the rapprochement of positions with a view to strengthening diplomatic, economic and energy relations, and marked by the controversial presence of Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. In one summit full of symbolism and practically empty of contentthe EU and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, have implemented a timid rapprochement of positions with respect to the escalation of the war in the Middle East and, a little less with strength, in the war in Ukraine.

In one joint statementThe leaders condemned attacks against civilians and aid workers in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon and urged the parties to “exhibit restraint, avoid further escalation and engage in international diplomatic efforts to end the current destructive cycle of violence”. They also reiterated their call for a ceasefire. Both sides also urged seeking a diplomatic solution to the conflictwhich passes through the path of two states, with the recognition of Palestine.

As for Ukraine, the countries pledged to support efforts to achieve a “just and lasting” peace and also condemned attacks against civilians. However, there is no explicit condemnation of Russia in the statement, nor any mention of the need to fight against mechanisms aimed at evading sanctions. It is an issue on which community sources have lowered expectations: “We are not naive, we do not expect them to adopt our position overnight, but we believe it is important to engage with them”.

The declaration also deepens cooperation on security, energy and economy, which both sides aspire to strengthen. The Gulf countries and the EU remain committed to continuing negotiations on a trade and investment agreement that have been ongoing for more than 30 years. For several diplomats, the meeting was an opportunity to deepen relations with a group of countries with significant economic and political weight in the region.

Criticism of the meeting

“Seeking closer ties with some Gulf governments while their repression intensifies and serious violations of workers’ rights persist is the opposite of what the EU should do,” said Claudio Francavilla, associate director of the EU Observatory for human rights in a statement. “EU leaders should make clear that the release of critics and progress on human rights are vital to bilateral relations,” he added.

In 12 pages of the joint declaration there are up to five references to the commitment to respect human rights, signed by six countries where repression and violations of human rights are the norm. Here too, various diplomatic sources have lowered expectations and the depth of the discussion. The presence of Bin Salman It was a confirmation.

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