In a joint statement of twelve pages, the participating countries from the EU and the regional cooperation organization GCC promise extended cooperation on everything from trade and energy to climate and migration issues.
They demand an "immediate, complete and comprehensive ceasefire" in the Middle East, including the release of hostages, and give their "unwavering" support for a two-state solution.
Around Ukraine, they also manage to find common words, despite initial doubts from some of the Arab countries. Now, they call for a "comprehensive, just and lasting peace", while referring to the UN resolutions that condemn Russia's war of aggression.
In the joint statement, the importance of fundamental human rights and the fight against racism and extremism is emphasized. However, words like democracy and equality are completely absent.
Criticism is also directed at the participation of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, who is accused of having approved the killing of exiled journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
European leaders who smile and shake hands with someone considered responsible for having a journalist brutally murdered is deeply disturbing, says German EU parliamentarian Daniel Freund, according to the news agency AFP.
The Wednesday meeting in Brussels was the first between the EU and GCC and is to be followed by a meeting in Saudi Arabia in two years.
