Doha, January 29 (QNA) - Former European commissioners Thursday affirmed that the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Gulf countries represents a fundamental pillar for enhancing cooperation in the fields of human capital, digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation, emphasizing the importance of turning strategic visions into tangible action plans and results on the ground.

Joined by policymakers, diplomats, and experts, the commissioners explained, during a seminar on the Gulf, Northern European Countries, and Europe and a new strategic partnership for human capital and future economies based on digitalization, that the meeting in Doha reflects the EU's seriousness in building a strategic partnership with the Gulf countries.

They noted that the joint EU-GCC summit in 2024 set the directions, while 2026 provides the milestone to translate them into joint work programs and tangible outcomes.

They confirmed that the European-Gulf partnership represents an important step toward enhancing economic diversification and exchanging expertise in research, innovation, and education, supporting sustainable growth and strengthening confidence in the investment environment.

In a related context, Director of the Regional Office of UNESCO for the Gulf States and Yemen Salah Khalid pointed out UNESCO's support for the seminar through two regional reports on the green transition, skills, and digital transformation, contributing to the dialogue on developing skills policies and formulating practical seminar outcomes.

At the conclusion of the seminar, participants considered 2026 a decisive year to convert strategic intentions into concrete actions that ensure economic prosperity and integration between the two regions.

Four former EU commissioners (2019–2024) participated in the seminar, including Margrethe Vestager (Denmark), former Executive Vice President for the Digital Age; (Finland), former Commissioner for International Partnerships; Kadri Simson (Estonia), former Commissioner for Energy; and Ylva Johansson (Sweden), former Commissioner for Home Affairs. (QNA)