The 16th session of the joint Gulf-European ministerial council ended its deliberations here on Monday evening. Prince Saud al-Faisal, Saudi foreign minister, as well as representatives of other member states of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) participated in the meeting. In a statement to pressmen following the meeting, Prince Saud Al-Faisal said the participants of the meeting had objectively evaluated the the Gulf-European relationship. He said there was a strong determination to establish the free trade zone between the GCC and the EU countries. Underlining the importance of coordination between the two sides, Prince Saud Al-Faisal reiterated that the Gulf and European views were identical on several regional and international issues. Meanwhile, Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik said the EU views the GCC as a strategic partner not only at the economic level but also at the political level too. She noted that the two sides are keen on further enhancing cooperation and coordination between them. The Austrian foreign minister said the two sides have agreed to boost the process of dialogue between civilizations and religions, and added 'the experience of the EU and the GCC in civilization dialogue has proved to be useful.
