RIYADH — Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi stated that the commerce ministers of the GCC member states and the United Kingdom have commended the significant progress achieved in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two sides. The ministers expressed their anticipation for concluding the negotiations in the near future to serve mutual interests and a shared vision for sustainable and promising economic growth, he said. Albudaiwi’s statement followed a virtual meeting held recently between the GCC commerce ministers and their UK counterpart, with the participation of the GCC secretary general. The meeting was co-chaired by Bahraini Minister of Industry and Commerce and President of the current session Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro and UK Minister of State for Trade Chris Bryant, and attended by commerce ministers of the GCC member states. Albudaiwi noted that the meeting addressed several key topics aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership, including overcoming remaining obstacles and aligning viewpoints on all FTA-related aspects in preparation for its signing in the near future.