Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, met today in Brussels with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. They discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the European Union and Qatar around areas of common interest. In this context, the High Representative/Vice-President and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, signed a Cooperation Arrangement between the European External Action Service and the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This Cooperation Arrangement will serve as basis for an enhanced political dialogue and strengthened cooperation on sectoral areas of mutual interest, notably private sector development and research and innovation. These are key areas for Qatar’s diversification efforts and the country's transformation agenda, contained in the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The High Representative/Vice-President and the Emir also exchanged views on the ongoing situation within the Gulf Cooperation Council and prospects for a resolution of the crisis. Federica Mogherini reiterated the European Union’s support for the Kuwaiti mediation to achieve Gulf reconciliation and its readiness to assist. They also discussed counter-terrorism as well as several regional issues, including Syria, the Middle East Peace Process, Iran and Libya.