Riyadh: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stated that the commerce ministers of the GCC member states and the United Kingdom have commended the significant progress achieved in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two sides. They expressed their anticipation for concluding the negotiations in the near future to serve mutual interests and a shared vision for sustainable and promising economic growth.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the statement followed a virtual meeting held on Monday between the GCC commerce ministers and their UK counterpart, with the participation of the GCC secretary-general. The meeting was chaired by Bahraini Minister of Industry and Commerce and President of the current session Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, and attended by the commerce ministers of the GCC member states.

Albudaiwi further noted that the meeting addressed several key topics aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership, including overcoming remaining obstacles and aligning viewpoints on all FTA-related aspects in preparation for its signing in the near future.