The European Commission (EC) announced in Brussels that Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the Commissioner for External Relations in the Executive European Body, will participate in the annual ministerial meeting between the EC and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In a statement, the Commission added that Ferrero-Waldner will attend the annual meeting between the GCC and European parties, scheduled for the Omani capital of Muscat on Wednesday. A number of trade, political, and regional issues among other topics are expected to be discussed during Muscat meeting.