GCC: UK is about to reach a trade agreement with Gulf countries

According to Saudi official media reports, the UK is expected to reach a long-awaited trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council on Wednesday, deepening relations between the UK and these oil-rich countries. The report states that UK officials will sign a statement in London to conclude the negotiations for a free trade agreement. This will mark the end of four years of negotiations with the group, with UK ministers originally hoping to complete the agreement by the end of last year. Secretary-General of the GCC, Jassim Al-Budaiwi, said, "The signing of the free trade agreement comes after multiple rounds of intense negotiations and meetings, reflecting the commitment of both sides to strengthen the strategic partnership between the GCC and the UK and enhance economic, commercial, and investment ties."