Britain: Gulf trade deal will be first with G7

UK Minister of State for Trade Anas Sarwar said that the United Kingdom is seeking to move swiftly toward signing and implementing a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasizing that the anticipated deal would mark the first free trade agreement for the GCC with a G7 country. In an interview with Al Arabiya, Sarwar added that the world is currently facing significant challenges in the fields of security and defense, alongside a climate of economic uncertainty, stressing the importance of strengthening partnerships and dialogue among nations to address these challenges. He affirmed that his country has no ambition to return to the European Union, but rather seeks to “reset” its relationship with the bloc in a manner that serves UK interests. He stated that Britain wants to “look outward” and build relationships with various countries around the world, rather than turning inward, noting that partnership and dialogue remain the best option compared to countries closing their doors to the world. Sarwar pointed out that Saudi Arabia is a key strategic partner for the United Kingdom, explaining that he chose it as the destination for his first official visit outside Europe since assuming his post. He underscored the importance of economic and trade relations between the two countries, highlighting the opportunities offered by the Saudi market to British companies amid the economic transformations underway in the Kingdom. He also praised the significance of Expo 2030, scheduled to be hosted in Riyadh, considering it to represent an important showcase for Saudi Arabia and to open up substantial opportunities for the country.