https://arab.news/yqfsx
- Met with Chinese envoy and EU operation commander of EUNAVFOR Aspides
MANAMA: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi held key meetings on the sidelines of the 20th International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Manama Dialogue, which began Friday in Bahrain.
The conference, being held under the theme “Middle East Leadership in Shaping Regional Prosperity and Security,” is organized by the IISS in collaboration with the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Albudaiwi met with Zhai Jun, China’s special envoy for the Middle East, to discuss GCC-China relations, including progress on a free-trade agreement, Saudi Press Agency reported.
They also addressed Middle East issues of mutual interest, coordinated viewpoints on regional developments, and explored efforts to promote political stability and comprehensive peace, SPA added.
In a separate meeting, Albudaiwi spoke with Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, EU operation commander of EUNAVFOR Aspides.
Their discussions focused on developments in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions and international efforts to ensure regional and shipping security.
Albudaiwi highlighted the GCC’s commitment to de-escalation and maintaining freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, as outlined in the final statement of the 45th GCC Supreme Council session.