Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom Prince Turki Al-Faisal Al-Saud
Alex Younger – First Secretary (Political), British Embassy, Dubai – was briefed about the center’s activities. Areas of possible cooperation between GRC and the embassy were also discussed.
South African Ambassador to the UAE Dikgang Moopeloa held talks on improving coordination between GRC and the South African embassy and government
A Swedish delegation led by Peter Tejler – Deputy Director-General, Middle East and North Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eva Tarselius Hallgren – Senior Advisor, Middle East and North Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Lars-Erik Grundell – Swedish Ambassador to the UAE, discussed regional developments, especially the Iranian nuclear issue, political reform in the Gulf, and the European Union’s role in promoting reform and security.
Spanish Ambassador to the UAE Fernando de Galainena discussed international developments, the shift of the Spanish government’s position on Iraq following the Madrid bombings and elections, and the future of European politics in the region. The GRC team gave the ambassador an introduction to GRC activities and the GCC-EU portal. Mr De Galainena agreed to help establish close cooperation between GRC and relevant Spanish institutions as well as individuals working on Spain-Gulf issues.
Canandian Ambassador to the UAE W. David Hutton and Isabelle Martin, Head of Political Affairs Program at the embassy, discussed with the GRC issues relating to the promotion of a regional security charter, an idea originally supported by the Canadian and Danish governments; looking at ways to promote the Canadian role in the region by focusing more on humanitarian aspects, promoting institutional relations between GRC and Canada; and exchanging information for the GRC Web portal on GCC-Canada relations.
