The foreign ministers will discuss for the first time the strategic autonomy of EU foreign policy with some Nordic countries saying that this must mean more responsibility and determined promotion of the EU’s values and interests in external relations – not isolation or withdrawal from partnerships.

In a statement the EU welcomed the agreement. "The settlement of the internal rift will allow the GCC to restore its unity and resume its important work. The EU remains ready to further strengthen its long-standing partnership with a reinvigorated GCC", it said.

Parliament in Kuwait has more teeth than in some other Gulf countries, and Ministers, including members of the royal family, are often called to parliament for grilling by MPs, and sessions are aired on national television. Parliament also has the power to remove government ministers from their post, and to call for a no-confidence vote in the government.

Dr Hanan Al Ahmadi is the first Saudi woman to hold a top leadership position in the council and became one of the first women appointed to it seven years ago.

Earlier this week NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg criticised Russia for violating the territorial integrity of Georgia and Ukraine and said NATO was responding by building up its own deterrence posture whilst continuing to seek dialogue with Russia.

Watch live stream of the OSCE Ministerial Council being held on 3 and 4 December 2020 under the chairmanship of the Albanian Chairmanship-in-office.

Speaking at a CSTO summit the Russian President acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Armenian leader and told other CSTO leaders "our task is now to support both the Prime Minister himself and his team"