British Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar as part of a tour of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states to discuss the progress of the GCC-UK free trade agreement negotiations
During her trip, Badenoch met with ministers and businesses in both countries and emphasized the importance of the agreement for both sides.
She highlighted the complexity of the negotiations and the focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions, noting that the GCC free trade agreement is with six countries, making it more complex.
Badenoch expressed her excitement about the progress made so far and her confidence in the British negotiating team and the GCC negotiating team.
She also discussed the memorandum of understanding signed between Saudi Arabia and the UK on critical minerals to contribute to the clean energy transition, calling it a big win for the UK.
The UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia hosted a reception for Saudi businesses investing in the UK and British companies investing and working in the Kingdom.
The ambassador met with Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi during her visit.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of introducing people and building relationships to facilitate future collaboration and partnerships.
She was due to hold meetings in the UAE on Thursday to talk to international businesses and discuss ways to drive economic growth between both countries.