The member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Kingdom have signed a joint statement marking the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the GCC and the United Kingdom.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony held in London, by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Chris Bryant, Minister of State for Trade Policy and Economic Security at the UK’s Department for Business and Trade.

The Secretary General of the GCC said that the successful conclusion of negotiations marks a significant step forward in relations between the GCC and the UK. He added that the free trade agreement will contribute to strengthening the economic pathways of the two regions for generations to come.

He said this milestone was not achieved by chance. Rather, it is the result of years of dedicated efforts, firm political will and the shared belief among the six GCC member states and the United Kingdom that deeper economic integration between their peoples and economies is essential.

He noted that the agreement is designed to deliver tangible, sustainable and measurable economic benefits for businesses, investors and citizens across all seven signatory economies.

He added that the free trade agreement between the GCC and the UK is a comprehensive and modern trade agreement. It covers trade in goods and services, financial services, digital trade, investment protection, government procurement, telecommunications and the movement of people.

He said substantial, sector specific commitments had been achieved across all these pillars, reflecting the maturity and ambition of the economic relationship between the the GCC and the UK. He added that an achievement of this scale could not have been realised without the dedication of countless individuals who worked with professionalism, perseverance and determination.

The Secretary General expressed sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to the Ministers, chief negotiators and technical teams of the six GCC member states, whose guidance, commitment and efforts made the conclusion of the agreement possible.

He also expressed appreciation to the UK Minister and his team, whose constructive engagement and genuine spirit of partnership were essential throughout the process. He commended the team at the GCC General Secretariat, including negotiators and legal advisers, who worked with exceptional dedication throughout every chapter of the negotiations. He said their efforts reflect the Secretariat’s commitment to following through on the achievements of joint Gulf action.