Opportunities and challenges in EU's quest for closer ties with Gulf states

As the war in the Middle East enters a new dangerous phase, the EU held its first ever EU-Gulf Cooperation Council. For Europe Conversation, Shona Murray sat down with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Al Budaiwi, to talk about about the agenda; trade, global security and renewed efforts for a two-state solution in the Middle East.

Shona Murray: Your Excellency, thank you very much for joining us on the Europe conversation. You're here for the first ever EU Gulf Cooperation Summit. Lots of things on the agenda security, global warming and so on. But I want to start off in the Middle East, because we are at a very dangerous moment. We're seeing constant attacks by Hezbollah and Iran against Israel. We're seeing immeasurable suffering in Gaza and also in Lebanon. Can you tell me what you see as the EU's role in this has been and can be?  

Jasem Al Budaiwi: Definitely, the EU has been a responsible partner and we thank them for their role in trying to convince the Israeli side to refrain from its actions against the people and the Palestinian people and again, or newly against Lebanon. The EU has helped out the Palestinian people. There are many members which we really admire and appreciate who have recognised the Palestinian state. We hope that the EU members, all of them, the 27, do work toward recognising Palestine. This would really help.   

Shona Murray: And has the EU had any success in speaking to Israel? A lot of people would also point to the fact that the EU is heavily divided on this issue.  

Jasem Al Budaiwi: Has anybody in the international community any success in convincing the Israeli government to refrain from this action? Unfortunately, no. The Israeli government continues its policy,