EU plans Doha defence talks to strengthen security ties with Gulf countries

The European Union and Qatar are deepening their defence cooperation, and "security is fundamental in the current geopolitical context and it's a mutual interest," the EU's new ambassador to Qatar Antonino Maggiore told Euronews in Doha.

Maggiore described the EU's defence cooperation thrust in Qatar and the Gulf countries as following two main objectives: connecting private defence industries through a new platform and presenting the EU's common defence industry policies to Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

In a wide-ranging interview with Euronews at the start of his mandate in Qatar, Maggiore said that the EU and Qatar are organising a seminar on defence technology and artificial intelligence in Doha on 3 December, to connect private-to-private industries, "to create a platform for our defence industry to work together with the Qataris counterpart and possibly also from the GCC."

Maggiore said the EU wants to build on existing defence partnerships between Qatar and individual European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

"My personal ambition is how the European Union can add value," he said.

The seminar will also give the European Commission an opportunity to outline its plans towards the common European defence industry and discuss possible future partnerships with countries outside the bloc.

"There is a debate ongoing in the European Union on how, especially with the new multi-annual financial framework, which is our budget, how we can explore the possibility to strengthen partnership with third-party countries, also as EU, in the defence sector," Maggiore said.

The defence talks follow an EU-GCC summit scheduled for 24 October that was postponed due to ongoing tensions in the Gulf.

Maggiore acknowledged the setback but said both sides remained committed to strengthening relations.

"I think every crisis brings opportunities," Maggiore told Euronews.

"It's a missed opportunity that we have to postpone, but there is no postponement of the objectives and the urgency of strengthening the relations," he said. "There is a reciprocal wish of each other, the European Union, Qatar, the GCC."

The ambassador pointed to a recent visit to Doha by EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio as evidence that diplomatic engagement was continuing unabated.

"I think where we can do more is on concrete projects of cooperation," Maggiore said.

EU backs Qatar's mediation efforts

Maggiore praised Qatar's role in mediating between the United States and Iran, saying the EU wanted to support Doha's efforts to ease regional tensions.

He highlighted a recent telephone conversation between the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The ambassador also addressed efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping restrictions have disrupted global trade, saying the EU and Qatar shared the same position on freedom of navigation through the waterway.

"No fees, no tolls for the freedom of navigation," Maggiore said, referring to the EU's position.

On Gaza, Maggiore acknowledged divisions among EU member states over the conflict.

"Member states currently have different positions on the crisis in Gaza, and of course this is a challenge for us," he said.

He added that the EU remained committed to humanitarian assistance and diplomatic efforts to end the crisis.

Maggiore also said he wanted to see closer economic ties, particularly in transport.

He confirmed that European Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas would visit Doha for the upcoming Doha Forum in December to discuss connectivity with Qatar and other Gulf partners.

"Connectivity is a pillar, I think, where we can foster and boost our economic ties," he said.

The EU is also working on an initiative called Connect EU, aimed at bringing European businesses together with Qatari companies.

Maggiore identified two priorities he hopes to advance over the next year: visa liberalisation for Qatari citizens and negotiations on a strategic partnership agreement.

He said making travel easier would help strengthen ties between people in Europe and Qatar.

The proposed strategic partnership agreement would provide a broader framework for cooperation, something Maggiore hopes to see progress on within the next year.

"We do need a framework," he said, stressing the political will on both sides to strengthen the partnership.