In his opening speech at the first GCC-EU summit, President of the European Council Charles Michel said that global stability is once again at risk due to the dramatic situations in the Middle East, including Sudan, and in Europe with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Michel added that these crises have revealed significant human suffering, which calls for decisive action to change the course of history once again. He highlighted the interconnectedness of the two regions, adding that today's meeting was to discuss what the two sides can do together to build a positive agenda for the future that delivers tangible benefits for the regions' peoples and set a roadmap for future cooperation between the two sides. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, stressing the importance of protecting innocent civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid, and releasing all hostages. She noted that the timing of this summit is critical, highlighti ng that the conflicts demand urgent responses and the ability to move beyond the bitterness of war. She stressed that growth can be chosen over conflict and that its possible to replace war with cooperation and turn hostility into opportunities. Von der Leyen further stressed at the summit's opening that diplomacy alone can provide a sustainable path to security. She noted that creating new horizons is possible if different parties see each other as strategic partners. Von der Leyen added that partnerships in the energy sector could lay the foundation for a new era. She highlighted the GCC region's significant energy transformation, noting that clean energy projects led by GCC companies have gained considerable recognition locally and globally. She added that this was the moment to cooperate in order to develop new value chains and create renewable energy markets by investing in infrastructure and transportation networks, positioning the GCC as a hub for clean energy connecting Europe to Asia and Africa. Source: Qatar News Agency