Gulf Cooperation Council and UK Agree on Importance of Finalizing Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, stated that the GCC and the United Kingdom are in agreement on the importance of finalizing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA).
Following a meeting with Jonathan Reynolds, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Albudaiwi expressed that he sensed a strong interest from the new UK government and a sincere desire to complete the negotiation cycles for the FTA. Reynolds expressed the wish to sign the agreement before the end of 2024.
The officials discussed various topics of common interest and emphasized the economic and commercial relations between the Gulf countries and the UK, as well as ways to strengthen and develop them.
This initiative is considered a step towards reinforcing cooperation and strategic partnership between the GCC and the UK.
