Chief Al-Budaiwi: GCC-UK partnership based on historic cooperation, mutual trust

LONDON, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- Jassem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, affirmed that the distinguished Gulf-British partnership is based on a long history of cooperation and mutual trust, looking forward to a promising future built on common interests and shared values.
These remarks came during Al-Budaiwi's speech before a number of Lords, senior officials, experts, and legislators at the British Parliament in London.
Al-Budaiwi expressed his sincere thanks to Lord McNicol, Member of the House of Lords and the UK's Trade Envoy to Jordan, Kuwait, and the Palestinian Territories, for the invitation and warm reception.
He praised Lord McNicol's efforts in strengthening the path of relations between the GCC and the United Kingdom, stressing that the Gulf-British partnership is based on a long history of cooperation and mutual trust.
The GCC Secretary General underscored that relations between the two sides have evolved from traditional cooperation to a comprehensive partnership that includes political coordination, security and defense cooperation, cultural exchange, and economic and investment partnerships.
In this context, Al-Budaiwi noted the strategic importance of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the GCC and the United Kingdom, which have reached advanced stages thanks to the common will of both parties.
He explained that the completion of this agreement will be a qualitative step towards opening broader horizons for trade, investment, and innovation, especially in the fields of clean energy, modern technology, and digital services. "It will also contribute to linking the ambitious developmental transformations in the GCC countries with the global economic capabilities of the United Kingdom," he stated.
Al-Budaiwi also stressed that the Gulf-British partnership was not limited to economics alone but is also a partnership in principles, based on a commitment to dialogue, respect for international law, and joint action for security, stability, combating extremism, and supporting peace and development around the world.
"It serves common interests and achieves mutual prosperity for the peoples of the Gulf and Britain." Al-Budaiwi concluded. (end) mrn.gta