Closer EU cooperation with Gulf countries will benefit Latvia's security and economy - Silina

RIGA - Closer political and economic cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the Gulf countries will benefit Latvia's economy and security, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) stressed at the EU-Gulf Summit on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister's press secretary Edite Matusevica told LETA that Silina stressed that stronger economic relations with the Gulf countries will open new opportunities for Latvia in attracting investment and trade.

"We share common goals - peace, security and prosperity. We agreed with our partners that without security there is no economic growth. That is why close cooperation is needed to face common global challenges and threats, including Russia's war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East," said the Prime Minister.

The summit is highlighted as an important milestone in EU-Gulf relations, with the two regions becoming strategic partners. The summit discussed the mutual benefits of energy, trade and security partnerships, as well as solutions for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Summit participants agreed on a statement by the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council. It underlines the need for closer strategic cooperation to benefit the people of both regions.

The Gulf Cooperation Council brings together six countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.