GCC ties with the UK offer promising trade and investment opportunities, ministers say

Gulf Co-operation Council member states attending the joint ministerial meeting with the UK also discussed working together on regional security issues

The joint meeting between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Gulf Co-operation Council state representatives and the UK was held online on February 22, 2021. BNA

The value of trade and investment ties between the Gulf Co-operation Council and the UK were highlighted during a joint ministerial meeting on Monday.

It was attended by GCC foreign ministers and representatives plus James Cleverly, UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa; and Ranil Jayawardena, UK Minister for International Trade.

Participants emphasised the importance of working together on security to combat terrorism in the region.

In his opening speech, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahraini Foreign Minister and Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council, emphasised the deep-rooted relations between the GCC and the UK. He said there was a mutual desire for further joint action in the face of common challenges and opportunities.

Dr Al Zayani underscored that the meeting was an opportunity to review the current collaboration level, and enhance it for the common interests of all involved.

Mr Cleverly affirmed the importance of enhancing joint action between Britain and the GCC, hailing the outcome of the joint summit held in Bahrain in December 2016.

The UAE reinforced its commitment to building on its long-standing relationship with Britain.

“The historic and strategic relations of co-operation between the UAE and the UK have developed in various aspects, particularly in the areas of trade and investment,” Reem Al Hashimy, the Minister of State for International Co-operation, said.

“There is no doubt that the economic, investment and trade relations of GCC countries are not only strategic but crucial, and we must focus on the continued growth of our trade and investment ties.”

The ministers also exchanged views on political and security developments in the region, including those in Yemen, Iran and Iraq, and international efforts to combat terrorism.

They discussed UK-GCC co-operation at the political, economic and cultural levels for peace and security, both in the region and worldwide.