The representatives of the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) were led by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Boussaidi and Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the EU side. The ministers mainly discussed the current situation in Israel, regional security issues, the possibility of de-escalating conflicts and crisis resolution.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Lipavský met with his Omani counterpart. They mainly discussed regional security, the situation in Israel and the possibilities of deepening mutual cooperation. In the context of these developments, they confirmed the strategic importance of close coordination between the EU and the GCC.

“I stressed that Hamas is our common enemy. Our cooperation is needed more than ever,” said Czech diplomatic chief Lipavský after the meeting.

Support for Ukraine was also an important topic of the meeting. Minister Lipavský spoke during the session on regional security about Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. He called for the need to continue supporting Ukraine.

“This is another opportunity to strengthen support for the Ukrainian peace plan,” Minister Lipavský said after his speech. The need for close cooperation between the EU and the Gulf countries in the context of the impact of the Russian aggression in Ukraine continues to grow in importance.

Minister Lipavský also held talks with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The main topic was the creation of a joint Coordination Council under the leadership of the foreign ministers. They also agreed to expand cooperation in the economic and defence fields.

The ministers also discussed climate change and preparations for the COP28 climate summit to be held in Dubai this year. Part of the agenda was devoted to possible cooperation on humanitarian and development aid projects.