There is a lot to gain if EU and GCC work together more closely, European Council President Charles Michel tells Arab News

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Updated 30 August 2024
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There is a lot to gain if EU and GCC work together more closely, European Council President Charles Michel tells Arab News

There is a lot to gain if EU and GCC work together more closely, European Council President Charles Michel tells Arab News
  • Ahead of EU-GCC summit in Brussels, European Council head outlines the potential benefits of deepening ties
  • The EU wants, and remains a strong supporter of, two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, says Charles Michel during Riyadh visit

RIYADH: The forthcoming joint summit of the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council will deepen bilateral political engagement, enhance trade and investment, and strengthen cooperation on pressing foreign policy issues, Charles Michel, president of the European Council, has said.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Michel discussed the upcoming EU-GCC summit, taking place on Oct. 16 in Brussels, where leaders of the two blocs are expected to discuss a broad range of issues, from the crisis in the Middle East to Russia’s war with Ukraine.

“I am very optimistic that this summit can be an important political moment because, together with the Gulf countries in the EU leaders, we want to upgrade our relationship to a more strategic level,” said Michel.

“We want this relationship to be sustainable, to be a long term, a long term relationship.”

Michel arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders discussed relations and ways of enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom and the EU.




Charles Michel meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday on arrival in the Saudi capital. (SPA)

He was also scheduled to meet with Jasem Al-Budaiwi, the secretary general of the GCC. At the top of the agenda was the upcoming EU-GCC summit.

“We are working to prepare for the summit that will take place in Brussels in October between the GCC — the Gulf countries — and the EU,” said Michel. “This will be a historic moment and we would like the summit to be a successful one.

“That’s why it was important for me to meet with the crown prince to hear directly from him what the expectations in Saudi Arabia are for the summit so that we can prepare very well. My main goal is to make this summit an effective meeting.”

Michel underlined the potential outcomes of the summit, including the furthering of political cooperation on various issues between the GCC and the EU.

“First, political engagement — political at the highest level,” he said. “And this common opinion we have, the GCC and the EU, that there is a lot to gain if we work more closely together from a political point of view.”

Michel also underlined that the EU-GCC joint summit will “send a signal to the EU, into the private sector, that there’s a vast potential for more economic cooperation” with the Kingdom thanks to the opportunities presented by Saudi Vision 2030.

Bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the EU have been rapidly evolving in many areas.

“In recent years, we have worked a lot to strengthen the ties to improve relationships in various fields, for instance, climate change, energy, all those topics are very important for all of us in the future,” said Michel.

There is, however, scope to develop ties further between Saudi Arabia and the EU in fields such as trade, investment, and hydrogen power. “In all those sectors there is a lot that we can do together,” he added.




Michel with undersecretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdulmajeed bin Rashid Al-Samari and head of Saudi Arabia’s mission to the EU and the European Atomic Energy Community Haifa Al-Jedea. (SPA)

Describing the “vast potential” for economic cooperation that could result from the EU-GCC summit, Michel said the EU is ready to contribute to the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform and economic diversification agenda.

“We are ready to be a loyal partner, to support those efforts in line with this 2030 vision for the transformation of the country, and with this purpose to diversify the economy of the country,” he said.

However, opportunities for cooperation extend far beyond trade and investment into common security and foreign policy areas.

“In terms of geopolitical challenges, we need to cooperate,” said Michel. “We need to coordinate. The war in Gaza, the situation in the Middle East, the war launched by Russia against Ukraine.

“We think that more cooperation between the EU and Gulf countries could play a useful role in the future.”

Both Saudi Arabia and the EU have called for a ceasefire in Gaza, where the 10-month conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas has created a major humanitarian emergency. Michel outlined the EU’s stance on the conflict.

“First, it is extremely urgent, we need to get a ceasefire and the release of hostages,” he said. “And we support all the efforts of those who are working very hard to make it happen and to make it possible.

“For instance, I had a conversation two weeks ago with (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu. We passed on a very clear message that we want a ceasefire, we want the release of hostages, we want the de-escalation.

“We want the two-state solution … the EU is a strong supporter of the two-state solution. You know that some EU member states recently, a few months ago, decided to recognize Palestine and we want to work with all our partners.”

Michel said “peace would be, and will be, the best security guarantee.”

Asked what steps are required to bring about the two-state solution, Michel said: “I think it is important to encourage the Palestinian people, to organize themselves with legitimate authorities, probably reforms also are needed.

“And we need to support all those invested in the community who are working to make those reforms possible.”




Michel speaking to Arab News reporter Lama Alhamawi, right, in Riyadh. (AN Photo)  

Michel called the crisis in Gaza “a humanitarian catastrophe,” adding that it is “extremely important, in the short term, to provide humanitarian assistance to the people in need.”

“That’s why the EU, together with the member states, have decided to mobilize a lot of support, a lot of money and a lot of support to provide this aid and this assistance to the people in Gaza and in the West Bank.”

In relation to the escalating tit-for-tat between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, Michel said the normalization of diplomatic relationships across the region was more urgent than ever. 

“This is important to encourage more stability and to encourage a country like Iran not to play games that have an impact in terms of instability in the region using proxies,” he said.

“We are on the side of the people of Lebanon because they are the first victims of all those difficulties in the country.”

He added: “Despite the differences we have, Iran and the EU, we have decided to engage with Iran, to engage with the new president of Iran, to discuss our differences, and to see how we can try to make some progress, including regarding the nuclear challenge.”

Asked about Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, Michel lauded the power of sport to bring disparate cultures together.

“We know that the Olympics or football — sport in general — is a way to bring people together and people with different languages, culture,” he said. “We are all together when we participate in sporting events.”

 


Tuwaiq Academy becomes authorized Google Cloud training partner

Tuwaiq Academy becomes authorized Google Cloud training partner
Updated 21 November 2024
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Tuwaiq Academy becomes authorized Google Cloud training partner

Tuwaiq Academy becomes authorized Google Cloud training partner

RIYADH: The leading Saudi programming trainer Tuwaiq Academy has been selected as a Google Cloud Authorized Training Partner to introduce boot camps and programs featuring professional certifications.

A number of the academy’s staff members have received certification in instructing Google Cloud’s cloud computing technologies and services.

Google Cloud’s endorsement of Tuwaiq Academy highlights the institution’s adherence to worldwide standards in fostering expertise in cloud infrastructure, data science, machine learning and application development while providing professional certifications, said CEO of Tuwaiq Academy Abdulaziz Alhammadi.

These certifications include certified professional cloud architect, certified professional data engineer, certified professional cloud developer, certified professional cloud security engineer and certified professional machine learning engineer.

This milestone follows the staff’s acquisition of various professional certifications in teaching cutting-edge technologies across multiple cloud computing disciplines.

Alhammadi highlighted the academy’s dedication to forging partnerships with prominent global organizations to offer professional boot camps and programs within an environment equipped with the latest technologies.

The objective is to cultivate outstanding national talents capable of developing innovative solutions across diverse sectors.

Tuwaiq Academy stands out as the first of its kind to offer a multitude of boot camps and programs in partnership with leading global entities, benefiting more than 1,000 trainees daily, Alhammadi said.

Founded in 2019, it provides a range of training and educational courses in cybersecurity, programming and software development in a bid to position Saudi Arabia among the ranks of technologically advanced countries.

The academy employs a practical application-based learning methodology to remain current with modern technological advancements and align with job market demands.


KSrelief volunteer medical concludes in Kyrgyzstan

KSrelief volunteer medical concludes in Kyrgyzstan
Updated 21 November 2024
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KSrelief volunteer medical concludes in Kyrgyzstan

KSrelief volunteer medical concludes in Kyrgyzstan

RIYADH: A volunteer medical project for open-heart surgery and catheterization by Saudi aid agency KSrelief in Kyrgyzstan has ended.

The campaign in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, ran from Nov. 9-16 and involved 26 volunteers from various medical specialties.

The team examined 100 patients, conducted 15 open-heart operations and performed 75 therapeutic and diagnostic catheterizations, all of which were successful.

The project was part of several volunteer medical initiatives focusing on heart surgeries.


KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan

KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan
Updated 21 November 2024
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KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan

KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently distributed shelter kits and tents to 200 families in the Baghlan province of Afghanistan, benefiting 1,200 people.

The support is part of a shelter project to help people returning to the country from Pakistan and those affected by flooding.

The scheme is set to distribute 4,882 essential items such as tents, blankets, plastic mats and other vital supplies, aiding a total of 29,292 people.

It is part of the Kingdoms ongoing worldwide humanitarian and relief efforts through KSrelief.


Saudi crown prince congratulates newly elected prime minister of Mauritius

Saudi crown prince congratulates newly elected prime minister of Mauritius
Updated 21 November 2024
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Saudi crown prince congratulates newly elected prime minister of Mauritius

Saudi crown prince congratulates newly elected prime minister of Mauritius
  • Mohammed bin Salman also wished the people of Mauritius further progress and prosperity

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a message of congratulations on Wednesday to Navin Ramgoolam, who became prime minister of Mauritius this month.

The prince conveyed “his sincere congratulations and best wishes” to the premier and wished “the friendly people of the Republic of Mauritius further progress and prosperity,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ramgoolam was sworn in as prime minister a week ago, following his coalition’s triumph in the general election. It is the 77-year-old veteran politician’s fourth term in office; he previously served as prime minister between 1995 and 2000, and for two consecutive terms from 2005 to 2014.


Lessons Saudis can learn from the Qatar World Cup to benefit their 2034 tournament bid

Lessons Saudis can learn from the Qatar World Cup to benefit their 2034 tournament bid
Updated 21 November 2024
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Lessons Saudis can learn from the Qatar World Cup to benefit their 2034 tournament bid

Lessons Saudis can learn from the Qatar World Cup to benefit their 2034 tournament bid
  • During discussion at Misk Global Forum in Riyadh, the CEO of World Cup Qatar 2022 tells of the challenges and opportunities his country encountered hosting the tournament
  • He says one of the biggest hurdles was the intense media scrutiny and the constant battle against public perceptions of the country and region

RIYADH: Nasser Al-Khater, the CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, shared his thoughts on some of the challenges and opportunities his country encountered when hosting one of the biggest global sports events, and passed on some words of wisdom during a discussion at the 2024 Misk Global Forum in Riyadh with Hamad Albalawi, the head of the Saudi Arabian Sports Federation’s Bid Unit for the 2034 World Cup.

Describing the 2022 event as “the best-ever World Cup in the history of the tournament,” Albalawi said 3.2 million tickets were sold, a 17 percent increase compared with the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and it was the most sustainable tournament to date.

As such, football authorities worldwide can learn many lessons from Qatar about hosting future World Cups and other major events, he added.

“You saw a World Cup that put the fan at the very center … that created an experience for fans that were able to engage with the tournament beyond the 90 minutes,” Albalawi said on Tuesday, the second and final day of the Misk event.

However, hosting the competition did not come without significant challenges. Some of the biggest that authorities had to overcome included the problems caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the logistics of organizing a World Cup in a country undergoing great infrastructural development, and issues related to the welfare of workers, Al-Khater said.

However, one of the most significant hurdles was the intense media scrutiny and the constant battle against public perceptions.

“From the bid stage, the challenge was people not taking us seriously, not seeing us as a serious contender,” Al-Khater said.

Toward the end of the bidding process, as people started to realize how strong a contender for host Qatar really was, “they tried to discredit us as much as possible,” he added.

Al-Khater spoke in particular about the effects reporting by the mainstream media has on public perceptions. He said the task of trying to counter this by educating people had at times distracted from the crucial job of actually organizing a major, unforgettable event.

However, people eventually began to tire of the constant narrative, he added, started to question it and reflect on social and political issues in their own countries, and in doing so they slowly realized a double standard might be at play.

Al-Khater said 1.4 million people visited Qatar to experience the World Cup firsthand, many of whom raved about the safety and beauty of the country, and the hospitality of the Arab world; an image that jarred with the picture painted by the mainstream media.

“Women said, ‘We have never felt so safe at football matches in our lives,’” he added.

Albalawi said that when the Saudi bid team entered the room with their counterparts from other nations, he realized that the average ages of the members of those other teams were in the 50s and 60s, while the average age of the Saudi team was between 31 and 32.

“It made me think to myself, do we have the experience? Do we have the knowledge? Do we have the know-how?” he admitted.

But after reflecting on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, and how much it has achieved in the past nine years, he reconsidered his initial reaction.

“Although we do not have 20 years of experience, we have projects that we have managed that are more sophisticated than any other set of projects around the world,” Albalawi said.

“The Saudi youth is one of the most capable youths of the world. We have a lot of energy, we have a lot of will, we have very capable minds and we have a demographic that is the envy of every nation in the world.”

Asked how confident he is that the Saudi bid to host the 2034 World Cup will be successful, Albalawi replied: “Very confident. Saudi Arabia is a story of growth … of remarkable transformation. It will be written in the history books for decades and centuries to come; this era and this age will be remembered for the achievements we have created.”

Al-Khater noted that the experience of hosting the World Cup had a big effect in his country on young people in particular.

“The youth in Qatar were quite lucky that they have been able to witness a country that was growing together and living a sense of nationwide pride,” he said.

This feeling of pride and national unity instilled a sense of teamwork at the macro and micro levels that was reflected throughout society, from large national projects to small teams working in schools and universities, he added.

Great efforts were made to ensure the youth of the country were included in the planning process for the World Cup by creating programs in schools and online tools, for example, to help them understand the significance of the event to Qatar, and by recruiting students to work as volunteers at the event itself, Al-Khater said.

The World Cup can be used as a “developmental tool” and the youth of a nation are “your biggest ambassadors,” he added.

“Everywhere else, it is just the World Cup; for our part of the world, this is a strategic project and it is an ambition that goes far beyond sports.”

Albalawi’s message to Saudi youth was to embrace the prospect of the Kingdom hosting 2034 World Cup as an opportunity to “become your best in anything you do, whether that is the best engineer, football administrator, health professional, architect,” and “to see that growth in yourself and the connections around you all the way through.” He added: “The World Cup is an enabler to all of the different projects.”

Another piece of advice he offered to young people was to be diligent in everything they do, always triple-check that they have considered everything they need to, and to ask questions of everyone who can help them ensure they always stay ahead of the game.

Al-Khater’s advice to the people of Saudi Arabia was: “Always keep the big picture in mind because we can sometimes, through our own panic, veer off and start looking at micro issues.

“You need to hold yourself and start to zoom out. Learn how to manage up. Expectations are quite high in this part of the world, rightfully so. One big task that I have to go through is learning how to manage up and not just delivering on the ground.”