HE the GCCSG and the Secretary of State for International Trade in the UK Discusses the Progress of the Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Between the Two Sides

His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), discussed with Her Excellency Ms. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Secretary of State for International Trade in the United Kingdom, via a video call on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the progress of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two sides, aiming to enhance cooperation and strategic partnership between the GCC and the United Kingdom (UK).

Moreover, His Excellency stated that the importance of this meeting lies in its timing, as it takes place prior to the sixth round of Free Trade Agreement negotiations between the two sides.

He emphasised that this round is very significant as it will address a number of issues conclusively in order to remove any obstacles and reach a consensus between the two sides, paving the way for the signing of a free trade agreement between the GCC and the United Kingdom.

He concluded his statement by highlighting that the GCC countries are seeking to enter into strategic agreements and working towards concluding free trade agreements with countries and regional blocs to enhance their economies and diversify mechanisms of economic and trade cooperation.

This includes opening regional and global markets for GCC products, which will benefit the countries and their people.