RIYADH, 14 March 2005 — Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states meeting here yesterday expressed hope that their talks with European Union scheduled for April 5 would produce a Free Trade Agreement between the two blocs.
Answering a question put by Arab News at a press conference held following the ministerial meeting, Bahraini Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed ibn Mubarak Al-Khalifa said: “There has been a dialogue on this issue between the two parties for a long time and discussions have progressed well in the right direction to formulate steps at the next meeting to achieve our goal”.
The ministers also reviewed the issue of the three UAE islands controlled by Iran as well as the latest developments in Iraq and the Middle East peace process.
Sheikh Mohammed, whose country currently chairs the six-nation bloc, pointed out that the islands issue should be settled peacefully enabling the UAE to regain their rightful positions.
He added that the elections in Iraq have shown encouraging signals for the Iraqis and the rest of the world that the country is in the process of handing over power to its citizens.
While congratulating the Kingdom on successfully holding its first municipal elections, the council praised the efforts of the Kingdom not only in fighting terrorism but also in suggesting formation of an international center to counter terrorism. “Crown Prince Abdullah’s proposal in this regard will help unify global efforts against terrorism,” he said.
The meeting discussed matters relating to regional security, health, education and economy. It also decided to set up a nursing education institute in the region.
Sheikh Mohammed said the council wholeheartedly welcomed the new Palestinian government and pledged it support and solidarity for the well being of its people. While offering its condolence on the death of former Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri, it also commended Syria for its graceful withdrawal of its troops from Beirut.
