Doha, April 15 (QNA) - HE President of the European Council Antonio Costa affirmed that the European Union stands firmly and in full solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and their people, including Qatar, following Iran's unjustified attacks on the Gulf states.

Speaking at a press conference held in Doha today as part of a Gulf tour that has so far included Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, His Excellency stated that his visit comes at a critical juncture, given the fragile ceasefire and the recent unjustified attacks on the Gulf states by Iran. He noted that these attacks constitute a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these countries, which the European Union considers unacceptable.

The European Council President commended the efforts made by the Gulf states to ensure the safety and security of European citizens residing in the region during the current situation.

He affirmed that through this visit, the European Union is sending an important message to the region, that it is a reliable partner for the Gulf states, one they can depend on now and in the future. The EU remains committed to supporting the region's stability and security and to strengthening cooperation with it in a deeper and stronger manner.

He added that his current visit provided an opportunity to listen to the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, learn about their assessment of the current situation, and reaffirm the European Union's support, based on two main priorities, namely working towards a stable and lasting ceasefire that would pave the way to sustainable peace in the region, and restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

His Excellency stated that the European Union, since the beginning of this conflict, has consistently called for de-escalation and negotiations with full respect for international law. It has emphasized the need to capitalize on the momentum created by the recent US-Iran ceasefire brokered by Pakistan in order to address the international community's concerns regarding Iran, including its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, its support for proxies, its destabilizing activities in the region, and its closure of international shipping routes.

In this context, His Excellency pointed out that the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are vital arteries for the global economy, supply chains, and international trade, warning that the current conflict has already had disastrous global repercussions and will only worsen if a solution remains elusive.

He reiterated that restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is crucial and urgent, noting Europe's commitment to contributing to ensuring the safe and unimpeded passage of ships through an international coalition that France and the United Kingdom are working to establish with global partners.

In response to a question from the Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Antonio Costa affirmed that the European Union has called from the outset for de-escalation, restraint, and opening the door to diplomacy. He added that the EU supports the talks held between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan and others, to solidify the ceasefire and reach a lasting agreement that would allow for addressing key issues such as the nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and support for proxies.

He emphasized that the EU stands with the Gulf states, with several EU member states deploying military capabilities to support their defense, in addition to providing clear diplomatic and political support and explicitly condemning Iranian attacks.

Speaking about the war in Lebanon, His Excellency stated that Hezbollah poses an existential threat to Lebanon and is a serious factor in international instability. He commended Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's decision to ban the military activities of Hezbollah.

He affirmed the European Union's continued support for Lebanon, and empowering the authorities to disarm Hezbollah is the only sustainable solution for restoring stability. He welcomed the talks held yesterday in Washington between Lebanon and Israel, considering them an important step that must continue to achieve results that serve the interests of the Lebanese people and the prospects for peace.

The European Union, he added, supports the talks between Israel and Lebanon to ensure Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to enable its authorities to fulfill their obligations, including the disarmament of Hezbollah.

In response to journalists' questions, Antonio Costa described the State of Qatar as an honest mediator for peace and stability in the region, a role it demonstrated during the war in Gaza. He added that Qatar continues its efforts to solidify the ceasefire, reach a permanent cessation of hostilities, and create the conditions for negotiations addressing key issues, including Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its support for proxies.

He reiterated that closing the Strait of Hormuz poses a significant threat to the global economy, which is already suffering the consequences of this illegal closure.

He added that ensuring freedom of navigation is a pressing matter, noting that Qatar is actively supporting relevant efforts and discussions, while European countries are joining initiatives led by France and the United Kingdom to form a broad coalition guaranteeing freedom of navigation.

Regarding relations between the European Union and GCC countries in light of regional developments, Costa emphasized that the region's leaders have stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation more than ever before, both at the EU-GCC level and bilaterally with each country. He explained that the EU is currently negotiating free trade agreements with some countries and strategic partnerships with others, expressing his hope for a second summit between the two sides by the end of this year in one of the GCC countries, with the potential for achieving tangible results.

The President of the European Council concluded his remarks at the press conference by noting that the world is going through a difficult period that requires adherence to the rules-based international order and warns that the alternative is chaos. HE called on the international community to support the multilateral system, reminding that the United Nations is the backbone of this system. (QNA)