LONDON, June 13 (KUNA) -- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi met on Friday with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds to discuss latest developments in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in preparation of signing it during this year 2025.
During their meeting in London, trade and investment relations between the GCC countries and the UK were discussed, as well as ways to elevate them, foremost of which was a review of the latest developments in the negotiations for the FTA, according to press release by the GCC Secretariat.
The two sides affirmed their aspiration to strengthen joint work and efforts to complete the rounds of negotiations for the free trade agreement, it noted.
On his part, Al-Budaiwi said that he discussed with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade the outstanding issues in these negotiations, and exchanged views on the opportunities available to remove these obstacles in a way that preserves the common interests of both sides.
He said that the GCC countries are always seeking to strengthen their investment and trade relations by creating joint opportunities and signing free trade agreements with a number of countries and organizations in the world, in a way that benefits their people with development and prosperity. (end) nbs.bb