Di Maio to be EU special representative in the Gulf for another two years

Brussels – “Outstanding performance” of Luigi Di Maio, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, had written to member countries as early as December 20. Oggi (Feb. 24), the 27 have extended the term of the former 5 Star minister as special representative for the Gulf region for two years.

“He will continue to develop a stronger, comprehensive, and strategic EU partnership with the countries of the Gulf region, contributing to the stability and security of the area by engaging in and supporting dialogue and long-term regional solutions with individual Gulf partners and relevant regional organizations,” reads the note in which the EU Council announced Di Maio’s confirmation. 

5 Star Movement’s golden boy was nominated as the first Special Representative for relations with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates by former EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell on May 15, 2023. He took office the following June 1, with an initial mandate of 21 months. According to Kallas, he “contributed greatly to advancing cooperation between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council and played a key role in developing regional and bilateral cooperation with the Gulf countries in the fields of political consultations, security dialogue, trade and investment, green energy, and interpersonal relations.”