'Now, to many eyes, the Gulf seems to be an exclusive preserve of the US,' Michele Alliot-Marie told a Gulf security dialogue conference held in Manama.
'The massive American military presence demonstrates the durable priority granted to this area.'
Alliot-Marie said European defence forces can quickly deploy large numbers of troops in times of crisis, provide military training, or hold joint common exercises with the Gulf countries.
'In my view, Europe can bring a very significant contribution to the security of this area,' she said.
The French defence minister has called for a greater European role in Gulf Arab security, in which Washington is traditionally seen as the biggest player.
The US has made Bahrain its headquarters of its Navy's Fifth Fleet and Qatar also hosts a large regional headquarter for US forces. Kuwait was a launch-pad for the 2003 war on Iraq and up to 25,000 troops are based there.
'Now, to many eyes, the Gulf seems to be an exclusive preserve of the US,' Michele Alliot-Marie told a Gulf security dialogue conference held in Manama.
'The massive American military presence demonstrates the durable priority granted to this area.'
Alliot-Marie said European defence forces can quickly deploy large numbers of troops in times of crisis, provide military training, or hold joint common exercises with the Gulf countries.
'In my view, Europe can bring a very significant contribution to the security of this area,' she said.
'I do believe that it is high time for the European countries and the Gulf neighbouring countries to reinforce their cooperation in this field (security), in order to contribute together to the stability of this area which is vital for the world.'
Allot-Marie also said the EU's cooperation with the Gulf was demonstrated through the two regions' strong trade ties.
'The European Union is the Gulf's first trade partner. As far as the Gulf is concerned, I think that these examples of regional cooperation could bring about a joint operation between the EU and the GCC,' she said.
