Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, McAllister stated that the European Commission has decided to start negotiations on April 1 and is awaiting approval from the European Parliament for the process to officially begin. McAllister added that these negotiations will not only be limited to the economic sphere, but will also establish a binding political and legal framework between the parties.
Stating that the 20% tariffs imposed on goods imported from Europe under US President Donald Trump have shocked Europe as well as the world, McAllister noted that such developments have led the EU to seek new trade partnerships.
“The partnership with Saudi Arabia is stronger than ever”
Emphasizing that Saudi Arabia is one of the EU's most important bilateral and regional partners in the Gulf region and beyond, McAllister expressed the European Parliament's full support for elevating cooperation between the two sides to the level of a strategic partnership.
McAllister also drew attention to Saudi Arabia's growing regional and international diplomatic role, noting that there is untapped potential in the existing relations.
In the new era, the aim is to go beyond the economic sphere to deeper cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia in areas such as energy, security, technology and cultural exchange.
Comments
No comment yet.