Qatari-European relations have seen significant development, driven by continuous cooperation and the strengthening of economic, trade, and investment partnerships. This progress is reflected in trade data between the two sides over recent years, amid ongoing efforts to elevate these relations to broader horizons and a new phase of economic cooperation and prosperity. The first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and European Union (EU) summit, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, at the EU headquarters in Brussels, underscores the strength and resilience of Gulf-European relations. This summit establishes a transformative and historic phase in Qatari-European relations, aiming to enhance strategic cooperation, especially in light of the expanding ties between the two sides across various fields over the past years. Economic experts, speaking exclusively to Qatar News Agency , emphasized that relations between Qatar and the EU countries represent a prominent model of strategic partnership and cooperation across mu ltiple areas, particularly in energy and sustainable development. In this context, economic expert Dr. Abdullah Al Khater noted the significance of the first GCC-EU summit, highlighting key issues scheduled for discussion, primarily energy issues and recent developments in the Middle East, along with topics related to economy, investment, trade, ports, and other areas of mutual interest. Al Khater told QNA that GCC countries are based on robust economies founded on oil, gas, and trade. He pointed out the considerable investments in these nations and their strategic geographical location, making enhanced cooperation with this vital region crucial for the EU, especially given the increasing need to secure energy imports. The economic expert expects Qatar to play a central role in the Gulf-European summit, given its strong relations and the volume of trade with most EU countries, which totaled QR 76.91 billion last year. This comes amid an increase in Qatars gas exports to Europe recently and Qatars active ro le in mediating and peacefully resolving conflicts in the region and beyond. Dr. Al Khater described Qatar as a key nation for Arab and GCC countries in connecting with European nations. He added that the partnership between Qatar and the EU is a distinguished model of strategic cooperation in energy and sustainable development. He highlighted that the energy sector plays a pivotal role in strengthening ties between Qatar and European countries, fostering fruitful cooperation that serves as a cornerstone for mutual economic and strategic benefits. This cooperation enhances energy security for EU countries while solidifying Qatars position as one of the worlds largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), opening new horizons for sustainable partnership and shared development. (MORE) Source: Qatar News Agency