00:00Европейский Союз президент Antonio Costa
00:02wrapped up his tour of the Gulf in Qatar on Wednesday
00:05saying he came to listen to the leaders at a critical moment
00:08to push for sustainable peace
00:10and to reopen free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
00:13He says the world is entering a dangerous moment
00:16and unless countries defend the international rules-based order
00:19the alternative is chaos we're already seeing from Ukraine to the Gulf
00:23After meetings across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar
00:26Costa made it clear the European Union is a reliable partner
00:29to the Gulf to support the region's stability and security
00:32In an answer to Euronews, he said the EU wants deeper and stronger cooperation with the Gulf
00:38and that's what he heard from all the leaders
00:40It's important that the European Union and the Gulf cooperation countries
00:47could work together between the EU and the GCC
00:53but also bilaterally with each Gulf state
00:58and we are keen to do this
01:00We are negotiating free trade agreements with some of them
01:03so there is partnership with the others
01:06and we are talking with all of them
01:09Costa says the economic impact of disrupted shipping is already being felt worldwide
01:14adding pressure to move quickly
01:16It is essential that all parties use the momentum created by the recent United States-Iran ceasefire
01:26broken by Pakistan in order to address the concerns of the international community regarding Iran
01:35that means nuclear program, of course, but also its ballistic missile program
01:45Iran's support to proxies destabilizing the region
01:49and the blockade of the international sea lakes
01:55This war has already had disastrous consequences that are being felt all over the world
02:05And that will only get worse with every day without a solution to this conflict
02:12Restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is crucial and urgent
02:19And Europe is committed to help guarantee the safe and impeded passage of ships
02:28Costa also warned that Hezbollah poses an existential threat in Lebanon
02:32saying Iran-backed groups are destabilizing the region
02:36He added the European Union supports Lebanese leadership efforts to ban the group's military activities
02:42as the only path to long-term stability
02:44The council president also announced plans for a second EU-GCC summit later this year
02:50this time in the region
02:51saying Gulf partners can count on the EU's support now and in the future
02:56Adil Halim, Euronews, Doha
02:58Adil Halim, Euronews, Doha
02:59Adil Halim, Euronews, Doha
03:00Adil Halim, Euronews, Doha
03:00Adil Halim, Euronews, Doha
03:00Adil Halim, Euronews, Doha
03:00Adil Halim, Euronews, Doha
03:00Adil Halim, Euronews, Doha
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