According to a final statement, released at the end of the two-day meeting, the two sides agreed to form two working groups, one of them concerned with technical matters in air navigation and safety, while the other is to consider the procedures required for entry into a comprehensive agreement between the GCC and EU countries on air transport.
The two sides also agreed to hold the 4th meeting before the end of this year, in an EU country, to finalize the results reached in the third round of talks.
After extensive talks that yielded positive and satisfactory results for both parties, the participants stressed the need to continue dialogue and cooperation in various civil aviation fields.
They discussed several issues related to safety and aviation security, air navigation and training, in both Europe and the Gulf Arab region.
The participants made presentations in which they reviewed key developments in air navigation and safety.
The Gulf side gave a presentation on air traffic growth and its direct positive impact on the economy and how to develop it in line with the growth witnessed in the aviation market in the region.
The meeting was attended by 23 officials from GCC member countries and 17 officials from the European Commission and the EU member states.
EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Adam Kulach, along with representatives from the Gulf and European airlines, attended the meeting as well.
Saleh Abdullah Al Haroun, Director of Air Transport and Airports Affairs Department, at the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, presided over the GCC side, while the European side was chaired by Margus Rahuoja, Director of Aviation & International Transport Affairs at the European Commission.
Speaking on the occasion, Al Haroun praised the positive atmosphere that dominated the discussions and debates during the meeting, and thanked the GCC General Secretariat for its efforts and active role.
Al Haroun stressed that the main objective of the meeting was to further enhance cooperation in navigation, air safety and civil aviation security between the six GCC countries and the EU, as well as to discuss the last regulations in safety and air navigation matters.
Source: QNA
