DUBROVNIK: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi held a series of high-level meetings on Saturday at the Dubrovnik Forum 2025, focused on boosting energy security and expanding strategic partnerships with European and international allies.
Al-Budaiwi and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković discussed a proposal to host a joint Gulf-European conference on energy security. According to the GCC Secretariat, the conference would include representatives from both the public and private sectors and aims to “strengthen partnerships and address common energy challenges.”
The two officials also reviewed progress in ongoing negotiations for a Gulf-European Free Trade Agreement (FTA), reaffirming their commitment to implementing the outcomes of the 2023 Gulf-European Summit to deepen cooperation across sectors.
DUBROVNIK: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi speaks during a panel discussion reviewed the prospects for cooperation between Mediterranean countries and the rest of the world. — KUNA photos
Jasem Al-Budaiwi holds talks with NATO Deputy Secretary-General Radmila Shekerinska to explore ways to enhance defense cooperation between the GCC and the alliance.
Jasem Al-Budaiwi engages with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković at the Dubrovnik Forum 2025.
On the sidelines of the forum, Al-Budaiwi also met with NATO Deputy Secretary-General Radmila Shekerinska to explore ways to enhance defense cooperation between the GCC and the alliance. The two sides “discussed a host of regional and international issues of joint interest,” the Secretariat noted, including ways to bolster security collaboration.
In a separate meeting with Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Al-Budaiwi reiterated the GCC’s interest in strengthening ties with the EU. Talks covered ongoing FTA discussions and further plans for the proposed Gulf-European energy summit.
Al-Budaiwi also participated in a high-level panel which reviewed the prospects for cooperation between Mediterranean countries and various countries of the world, as well as regional and international organizations. He highlighted the GCC’s strategic geographic position, economic weight, and credibility as key reasons it remains a “reliable and influential partner” in promoting regional stability and sustainable development.
“The GCC countries aspire to continue deepening dialogue and cooperation with regional and international partners,” Al-Budaiwi said during the panel. He emphasized the council’s growing role in global energy security and its contributions to global peace and development.
The Dubrovnik Forum, hosted in Croatia from July 11–12, gathered regional and global leaders to discuss pressing political, economic, and security issues. Al-Budaiwi thanked Croatia for organizing what he described as “a prestigious international platform” that helps build consensus on shared global challenges. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Moroccan Ambassador to Kuwait Ali Ibn Issa reaffirmed the deep-rooted and historic relations between Morocco and Kuwait, emphasizing the strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood that unite the two nations and their leadership.
Speaking during a reception held by the Moroccan Embassy on Wednesday evening to mark the Morocco’s Throne Day, the ambassador highlighted the wide scope of cooperation between the two countries, spanning various sectors. The event was attended by Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah.
Ambassador Ibn Issa noted that while several bilateral agreements have already been signed, there remains a pressing need to activate and implement them more effectively. “We are currently working with various Kuwaiti institutions, and I thank the officials here for their support and responsiveness as we aim to elevate bilateral relations to even greater heights,” he said.
KUWAIT: Minister Amthal Al-Huwaila and Moroccan Ambassador Ali Ibn Issa are seen in discussion at a reception held by the Moroccan Embassy on Wednesday evening to mark Throne Day.
More than 23,000 visitors
On the tourism front, the ambassador praised Morocco’s success in attracting international visitors, pointing out that 2023 was a record-breaking year with 17.5 million tourists visiting the country. Among them were more than 23,000 Kuwaiti visitors—a notable increase compared to previous years, which typically saw around 16,000 to 17,000.
He expressed satisfaction with the growing interest from Kuwaiti travelers and noted that the increase in Kuwait Airways flights to Morocco—now up to four per week—is a clear indication of the destination’s rising popularity.
Trade on the rise
Regarding investment ties, Ambassador Ibn Issa said Kuwaiti investments in Morocco have spanned many years and continue to be active today. He emphasized Morocco’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve its business climate to attract further investment, particularly from Arab nations, with Kuwait being a key partner.
“There are many encouraging factors that make Morocco an attractive destination for Kuwaiti investors, both from the public and private sectors,” he added.
The ambassador concluded his remarks by pointing to the growth in trade between the two countries. While he did not cite updated figures, he confirmed that commercial exchange is on an upward trend and expressed optimism about further expansion in the near future.
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