MbS is in Brussels for first ever EU-Gulf summit

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman will be in Brussels on Wednesday for the first EU–Gulf Cooperation Summit, Euronews can reveal.

The de facto Saudi leader is discussing a range of issues including global security, the Middle East, trade and global warming. 

It’s his second official visit to Brussels, having previously attended in 2015 for the Global Coalition against ISIS.

On the Middle East, the EU hopes the summit can strengthen support for the Palestinian Authority as a step towards resuscitating a two-state solution. 

“Both regions, the EU and the Gulf, are in favour of a two state solution, and giving more support to the PA. We know Israel is not keen on support for the PA because that way you have a two-state solution and we know (Israeli PM) Netanyahu wants to stop this,” an EU official told Euronews. 

He’ll be joined by other Gulf heavy-hitters including the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Emir of Bahrain. 

“We hope that the the EU members, all of them, the 27 do work to recognising Palestine,” Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem AlBudaiwi told Euronews.

“This is an important summit for the EU on trade, and for the EU’s approach in supporting the Palestinian Authority,” said the EU official.

“It’s hugely important for MbS and the rest of the Gulf Countries to make the effort to come to Brussels”. 

“There’s huge investment to be made in the Gulf, but we are far behind China and the US, both of which have ‘beefed up’ investment in the region,” said the source.