Germany is working to advance visa-free travel for Bahraini citizens to the Schengen Area and to accelerate negotiations on a free trade agreement between the European Union and the GCC, German Ambassador to Bahrain Henning Simon has said.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the handover of the local presidency of the European Union in Bahrain from Cyprus to Germany, Ambassador Simon said that strengthening the EU’s strategic partnership with the GCC would be a top priority during Germany’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“Germany is making intensive efforts with its European partners to move these vital files forward,” he said.
“This stems from our shared conviction of the importance of strengthening relations with the Gulf states.”
Among the key priorities Germany is pursuing, the ambassador said, are advancing efforts to exempt Bahraini citizens from Schengen visa requirements and expediting the completion of negotiations on the EU-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
Ambassador Simon noted that the trade negotiations have made ‘tangible progress’, expressing optimism that the agreement could be signed next year after years of negotiations.
In remarks to our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej, Ambassador Simon also revealed that preparations are underway for a GCC-European summit to be held in Riyadh in October.
The summit will represent an important milestone in strengthening political and economic dialogue between the European Union and the GCC countries.
He added that the meeting will address issues of mutual interest, including regional security, energy, investment, economic co-operation and global challenges.
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