Britain, GCC agree to ‘work quickly’ towards free trade deal

Britain and the Gulf states agreed to an “ambitious strategic partnership” after issuing a detailed joint statement on Monday evening.

Following a day-long meeting between the British Foreign Secretary and the Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a 1,500 word document was released detailing the trade agreements and numerous issues security, including Iran and Afghanistan.

The talks took place in the 17th century mansion in Chevening, Kent, where ministers announced that UK-GCC relations would be ‘strengthened in all areas’.

They highlighted the ‘revitalized UK-GCC partnership’ which would help keep their citizens safe and generate significant business opportunities.

The deal between the parties will be a big boost for Liz Truss, Britain’s Foreign Secretary, a day after it was announced that she would lead UK Brexit negotiations following Lord Frost’s resignation.

But it will also lead, more importantly, to the start of serious economic talks after all parties agree to “work quickly” towards a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA).

“They agreed that an FTA would mark an important turning point in UK-GCC relations and looked forward to the start of negotiations in 2022,” the statement said.

Significant emphasis was also placed on developing security alliances as well as investing in clean technologies, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.

“The Foreign Ministers underlined their belief that this ambitious strategic partnership between the UK and the GCC member states is essential to promote peace, security, stability and economic growth in the Middle East region and beyond “, indicates the joint statement.

Closer trade ties between Great Britain and the Gulf would lead to the regrouping of organizations, which “would promote understanding between our peoples”.

Despite the Omicron variant outbreak, the foreign ministers of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait were present with the United Arab Emirates represented by the Deputy Minister of Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Lana Nusseibeh.

Earlier today, Britain and the Gulf States signaled that they were “paving the way for a new era” for economic relations.

Following discussions with GCC ministers, Ms Truss said a deal was “a win-win for all parties”.

“I want us to have much deeper ties in key areas like trade, investment, development and cybersecurity with a part of the world that is important to Britain’s long-term interests,” said she declared.

It is understood that the UK government is keen to ‘modernize the relationship’ with the Gulf, moving from a long tradition of security to business, with annual trade worth £ 30 billion.

“The UK is an important economic and strategic partner for the UAE and for our GCC neighbors. The UAE alone accounts for 30% of UK exports to the Arab world, ”said Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Deputy Minister for Political Affairs. “We have had a very productive series of discussions here at Chevening on how to capitalize on these strengths and deliver additional benefits to people and businesses in Britain, the Gulf and beyond based on our mutual prosperity and security, ”she added. “Internationally, we look forward to working with the UK on our common priorities when we join the UN Security Council in January.”

A series of high-level visits to the region over the next year will be used to strengthen Britain’s relationship with the GCC and help push the trade deal forward.

UAE Ambassador to UK Mansoor Abulhoul described the meeting as “another sign of strengthening UK-GCC relations”. UK, and next year will be the strategic dialogue between (UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Foreign Minister Liz Truss. A free trade agreement would be another big step forward. We invest together in developing countries “.

Besides trade, the statement addresses a number of pressing security concerns in the region, including Iran and Yemen.

Iran

Persistent concerns over Iran high on security agenda, ministers warning Tehran that ongoing talks in Vienna focus on renewing nuclear deal as “last chance” to restore regional security and avoid escalation.

“Ministers urged Iran to seize current diplomatic opportunity to restore JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] now to avoid bringing the region and the international community to a point of crisis, ”they said.

The “escalation of Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region also raised” grave concerns. “The statement called on the new Iranian administration” to play a positive regional role, to comply with international standards, to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of their neighbors and to refrain from supporting militant groups ”.

Afghanistan

On Afghanistan, the ongoing humanitarian crisis raised general concern and ministers said it was vital that the international community respond “urgently to the needs of the Afghan people”.

They also stressed the importance for the Taliban to respect their commitments in the fight against terrorism, “not allowing any terrorist organization to train, organize or raise funds in Afghanistan, as well as the importance of preventing foreign fighters from entering the country ”.

Iraq

On Iraq, the ministers said there was a common vision for stability and prosperity, but they had to prevent the spread of violent extremists, including ISIS. They also condemned the attempted assassination of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi.

They noted the need to form a stable government following the recent elections.

“The ministers welcomed the growing strategic partnership between the GCC and Iraq and the increased regional integration of Iraq,” they added.

Yemen

The ministers said there was an “urgent need” for a political resolution in Yemen, with negotiations authorized by the UN. These should take into account the GCC Initiative and its implementation mechanism.

It was necessary to prevent the resupply of arms from the Houthi rebels in violation of UN Security Council resolution 2216.

“Given the gravity of the humanitarian crisis, they agreed that maintaining direct humanitarian and development support to the country was essential, including protecting the safety of aid workers,” the statement said.

The ministers also strongly condemned the repeated attacks by the Houthis on civilians in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Syria

The “dire humanitarian situation” in Syria has raised serious concerns.

Libya

All foreign fighters, forces and mercenaries were to be withdrawn from Libya “without delay,” the ministers said, also expressing support for the UN’s efforts towards “credible” elections from December 24.

The ministers also renewed their call to all Libyan political actors “to refrain from actions that undermine the political process and to adhere to the election results”.

Climate change

Britain recognized the commitment on climate change made by GCC member states at the recent Cop26 meeting in Glasgow, including announcements made to achieve net zero emissions.

The UK also commended Saudi Arabia for the leadership it has shown in launching the Middle East Green Initiative and for the GCC’s commitment to transparent collaboration in its implementation. .

Ms Truss also congratulated the UAE for winning the bid to host Cop28.

Mr Abulhoul said: “We are fighting climate change – the UK with COP26 and the UAE with COP28. It’s a relationship that is good for the GCC, good for the UK, but also good for the world. “

“These are important signals to the global community about the region’s intention to take action and protect the environment for future generations,” the statement concluded.

Ministers expressed their support for the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs5) in January 2022 in Qatar.

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British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss at the Museum of Liverpool ahead of the G7 ministerial talks in December. Getty Images

Updated: December 20, 2021, 9:34 PM