(ANSAmed) - ROME - From the fight against terrorism to stabilising regional crises, from Iran to peace in the Middle East, and climate change. The countries in the Gulf region represent a strategic group. A ''third shore'' of an enlarged Mediterranean region that can ''stimulate foreign policy in the region''. Foreign Minister, Franco Frattini, discussing the revitalisation of the role of the Gulf economically, but also politically. During the presentation of the 'Days of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)' which will be held over the next three days in Rome he seized upon an opportunity to bring the GCC closer to the Mediterranean Union. Initially even as a simple 'observer' while awaiting the creation of a ''broad, enlarged Mediterranean that goes beyond the countries along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. ''The Gulf,'' explained Frattini today, ''is the third shore.'' ''A strategic shore for economic and political relations'' also considering the great ''challenges that unite us''. From terrorism threats ''that have recently even occurred in Italy,'' said the minister referring to the attack in Milan, to the peace process where ''we work together'' and for which the Arab initiative remains ''the essential route''. But also for the stabilisation of Afghanistan or the nuclear situation in Iran, where ''the worries are shared''. It is important that the Iran issue, according to the secretary general of the GCC, Qatari Energy Minister, Abdulrahaman bin Hamad Al-Attyah, not become an instance of politics according to ''double standards'', hoping for verifications also of Israeli nuclear sites to be requested. Frattini, speaking later about economic cooperation with a economic-political-social dialogue with the GCC (which includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait), stressed that ''it is the beginning of a new season of relations between Italy and the GCC. It is the moment to make step up,'' said the minister, pointing out that the peninsula is their top European trading partner. A position that ''we wish to confirm'' and relaunch in non-traditional sectors, like the green economy, advanced technology, and training human capital. The head of Italian diplomacy then hoped for a recovery and a ''strong surge from Europe to resume negotiations for free trade agreements: residual uncertainties must be overcome.'' Al-Attyha spoke along the same lines: ''We are aiming to reach an agreement as soon as possible''. (ANSAmed).