His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the official ceremony marking the Republic of Cyprus’s assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).
The event was held, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia, in the presence of His Excellency President Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, alongside several heads of state, EU leaders, senior representatives, and officials from regional and international organisations.
During the ceremony, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi extended his congratulations to His Excellency the President of Cyprus on assuming the EU Presidency.
"The GCC’s participation in this high-level event underscores the depth of the Gulf-Cypriot partnership and the enduring historical ties among the GCC and the EU," His Excellency pointed out.
He highlighted the ongoing development and coordination between the two blocks across various fields of mutual interest.
His Excellency further expressed the GCC's commitment to strengthening Gulf-European relations and building upon established successes in cooperation. "This collaboration aims to serve shared interests while bolstering regional and international stability and development," His Excellency stressed.
In his concluding remarks, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General wished the Republic of Cyprus every success during its presidency of the Council of the EU.
He expressed confidence that this tenure will advance joint cooperation and elevate dialogue and strategic partnerships between the GCC and the EU across various fields of mutual interest.
Furthermore, he underlined the importance of collective action and the alignment of views on regional and international issues to contribute to the security and stability of the region and the world at large.
