RIYADH: The EU is currently working on a system that would exempt Gulf citizens from visas, the bloc’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia has revealed. Patrick Simonnet also revealed a new plan is in the works, that will be announced soon, for Saudi citizens that facilitates the process to attain multiple visas. In his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he said the EU “aims to exempt citizens of all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries from visa requirements,” noting that “this commitment was clearly stated in the joint statement on the European Union’s strategic partnership with the Gulf states.” Simonnet added that visa exemption would help in raising the level of exchange between the EU and Saudi Arabia in many sectors including the fields of communication, tourism, education and business.