RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi highlighted the need for finalizing the negotiations with the United Kingdom on a free trade agreement before the end of 2024. During his meeting with the British Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in London on Wednesday, Al-Budaiwi said the British Secretary expressed a genuine desire to finalize the talks at an early date.

Al-Budaiwi congratulated Reynolds on his appointment to the post on July 5, wishing him success in his responsibilities that include FTA negotiations, according to a statement from the GCC Secretariat. The aspired FTA with the UK will give momentum to the strategic partnership between both sides, the statement quoted him as saying. The talks with the British side focused on economic and trade cooperation, the statement added. — KUNA