Ashton says EU-GCC ties have become important

March 21, 2012

BRUSSELS, March 21 (KUNA) -- European Union High Representative for foreign and security affairs,Catherine Ashton, has described ties between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council as important and excellent.

"Our work and relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council has become increasingly important. We have really excellent cooperation especially on Yemen and good discussions between myself and the GCC Secretary General on this," she told the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee Tuesday night.

"The Gulf Cooperation Council is looking to establish stronger ties between its own member states and has clearly said that their integration model is the European Union and has asked for our expertise and advice to achieve that goal, " she added.

Ashton said the EU is also working with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on Syria and have established the Contact Group on Syria . She noted that the top priority for the EU is the cessation of hostilities in Syria.