EU seeks stronger partnership with Gulf countries

EU seeks stronger partnership with Gulf countries

BRUSSELS — European Union High Representative Josep Borrell on Friday said that the Gulf countries are undergoing significant transformation, which for the 27 member bloc is a chance to develop new forms of cooperation. Borrell, who began a visit to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia Thursday published a lengthy personal bloc, titled the EU's stakes and options in a changing Gulf region, explaining the objectives of his first visit as the EU foreign policy chief to the Gulf region. “It is a dynamic region in the middle of a significant transformation. This gives us a chance to develop new forms of cooperation," he stressed. Also, Gulf countries are undergoing momentous domestic reforms. They all have visions of diversified, greener economies becoming less dependent on hydrocarbons, and more digitalized governments and societies," he stated. Borrell explained that at stake are of course contracts and investment opportunities both in the Gulf countries for European companies, and in Europe for the Gulf sovereign wealth funds, who already own an impressive share of the EU economy." “Throughout my mandate, I have begun to discuss these transformations of the Gulf region and the broader Middle East with my interlocutors. The transformations are