“We need to step up our engagement with the countries of the Gulf, and this was outlined last year in the joint communique by the EU high representative and the European Commission on strategic partnership with the Gulf,” Peter Stano, EU spokesman for foreign affairs and security policy, told a press conference in Brussels.

“So, it is very important that the EU has a special representative for engagement with the countries of the Gulf,” he added.

“This special representative will play an important role in implementing the strategy...to increase our multifaceted cooperation with the countries of the Gulf.”

Sources have told KUNA that EU permanent representatives are expected to discuss and approve the nomination of former Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio as the special representative during their meeting in Brussels on Thursday. If so, he is expected to start his new role within a month.