H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, led the UAE delegation at the inaugural GCC-EU Summit, in Brussels.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) welcomed the Emirati delegation upon their arrival in the Belgian capital.
This summit marks a significant milestone in diplomatic relations, bringing together leaders from the GCC and the EU to foster collaboration and address shared challenges.
It aims to strengthen economic ties, enhance security cooperation, and promote sustainable development initiatives.
Sheikh Maktoum reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to exploring new avenues for growing the GCC-European partnership, and welcomed initiatives to boost trade, tourism and cultural exchange with the European Union.
He also praised the EU’s key role in addressing regional and global challenges, stressing the need for joint efforts to ensure security, stability and peace in the Middle East while tackling humanitarian concerns.
During the summit, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union expressed hope that the event will usher in a new era of cooperation between the two sides, delivering practical results and addressing mutual challenges.
I led the United Arab Emirates delegation at the inaugural Gulf-European Union Summit, which will contribute to strengthening relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the European Union.
— Maktoum Bin Mohammed (@MaktoumMohammed) October 16, 2024
The European Union is the second-largest global trading partner of… pic.twitter.com/UEsKRSB9cD

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