Saqr Ghobash meets the head of the bloc" Patriots for Europe " In the European Parliament
Strasbourg, May 21 / WAM / His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, during his meeting with His Excellency Jordan Bardella, Chairman of the “Patriots for Europe” bloc in the European Parliament, discussed ways to enhance strategic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the European Union, in addition to developments in the situation in the Middle East region, and their repercussions on regional and international security and stability.
The meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Strasbourg in the French Republic, also discussed the importance of navigation, energy and supply chain security, where His Excellency Saqr Ghobash stressed that the security of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz has become an international issue directly linked to global energy security and the stability of international trade.
The two sides touched on the importance of developing the institutional relationship between the UAE and the European Union by advancing the files of the Free Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement, which contributes to advancing bilateral relations to more comprehensive, organized and effective levels.
His Excellency stressed that the UAE and the European Union have worked over the past years to develop comprehensive strategic cooperation covering various sectors, noting that the nature of the current challenges requires a broad partnership that includes security, energy, trade, investment, technology, combating extremism, and protecting sea lanes.
He pointed out that the UAE views cooperation with Europe as a long-term strategic path based on common interests, trust and joint work, stressing that what the Middle East region is witnessing directly reflects the security and stability of Europe.
He stressed that stability represents a basic condition for any development or international partnership, explaining that regional experiences have proven that weakening state institutions opens the way for militias, extremist organizations, smuggling networks, and external interventions.
His Excellency stressed that the security of the Gulf, the safety of navigation, and the stability of supply chains represent essential elements in the European security equation, calling for the development of security and economic cooperation between the UAE and Europe in a more systematic manner, especially in the areas of combating extremism, confronting illicit financing, protecting sea lanes, and securing supply chains, energy, investment, and technology.
Regarding developments in the situation in the Middle East, His Excellency Saqr Ghobash stressed that the region faces profound challenges that go beyond military confrontations and circumstantial crises, and are linked to speeches and projects that work to export tension and instability to the regional environment.
His Excellency explained that the challenge is not limited to the military or political aspects, but rather extends to the intellectual structure and ideological mobilization discourses that sow hostility and reject the principle of coexistence and respect for the sovereignty of states.
He pointed out that any international approach to regional challenges should not be limited to nuclear or military issues, but should also include addressing the intellectual and media discourse and approaches that fuel extremism and establish continued tension and instability.
He explained that any threat to sea lanes or vital installations does not affect the countries of the region alone, but rather its effects extend to global markets through rising energy prices, disruption of trade, and increasing the cost of transportation and production.
His Excellency stressed that targeting oil facilities and vital infrastructure represents a direct threat to the stability of the global economy, energy security, and international supply chains.
For his part, His Excellency Jordan Bardella welcomed the visit of His Excellency Saqr Ghobash to the European Parliament, stressing that the meeting represents an important opportunity to exchange views on issues related to European security and regional stability, in light of the escalation of discussions within the European Parliament regarding the files of the Middle East, energy, immigration, border security and extremism.
The meeting was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, His Excellency Sarah Muhammad Falaknaz, Dr. Marwan Obaid Al Muhairi, and Mira Sultan Al Suwaidi, members of the Federal National Council, and Dr. Omar Abdul Rahman Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
