The European Union is holding its first summit with Gulf states on October 16, as part of the EU's diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with distant allies in a bid to gain international support for isolating Russia,

BRUSSELS (AP) — The leaders of the European Union and six Gulf nations met for an inaugural summit on Wednesday against a backdrop of turmoil in the Middle East and struggles to find a unified position on the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia.

Gulf leaders including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gather with EU heads of state and government in Brussels Wednesday for a summit aimed at averting a "general conflagration" in the Middle East.

The European Union held its first summit with the Gulf states on Wednesday, part of EU diplomatic courting of less familiar friends as it seeks new economic allies and enlists international support to isolate Russia.

EU and Gulf leaders deliver opening remarks at Brussels summit European Council President, Charles Michel, Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen,

By bne Gulf bureau Gulf leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, are meeting with European Union officials in Brussels on October 16 for the first-ever EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit,