EU-Saudi cooperation vital in stabilising Mideast

The cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia in countering terrorism and violent extremism and in stabilising the Middle East region is critical, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament said in a resolution adopted Thursday. "But to be effective, it must respect basic human rights and civil liberties, " said the resolution quoted by an EP press release. The geopolitical environment makes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a focus of security challenges with regional and global implications, said the resolution. "Regional stability, relations with the Islamic world, transitions in the Arab Spring countries, the Middle East peace process, the war in Syria and improving relations with Iran are among key elements of the interdependence between the EU and Saudi Arabia," stressed the resolution drafted by Portuguese MEP Ana Gomes. The resolution, adopted by 47 votes to 4, is scheduled to be put to a vote by the full EP in March.