UK Officials to Asharq Al-Awsat: Talks Underway to Speed Up Gulf Trade Deal

Meeting of the Trade Minister and Chair of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council with the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade in Riyadh (SPA)

British officials have highlighted that recent Saudi reforms have boosted trade and investment between the two countries, opening new opportunities for cooperation. A senior British official revealed that British and Gulf negotiators are working to speed up a free trade agreement.
UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds told Asharq Al-Awsat that British negotiators are in talks with their Gulf counterparts, and that they hope to resume negotiations soon.
Reynolds emphasized the importance of the free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), noting that finalizing the deal is a top priority for the UK.
Reynolds added that the UK aims to achieve a beneficial deal for both sides rather than focusing on a specific deadline. The timing will depend on how quickly it can be finalized, considering the necessary government processes.
On Saudi-British relations, Reynolds said the two Kingdoms enjoy a close diplomatic, military, and security relationship, and that their economic and trade ties are growing stronger.
He noted that the UK is eager to work on several future projects with Saudi Arabia.
Reynolds also mentioned that the Saudi-British partnership has recently been expanded and updated in many areas.
UK Minister of State for Trade Policy and Economic Security, Douglas Alexander, told Asharq Al-Awsat about the British Parliament’s plan to enhance trade and investment with Saudi Arabia.
While he affirmed that the UK already has a strong trade and investment relationship with Saudi Arabia, Alexander noted that a new free trade agreement could make trade faster, cheaper, and easier, creating jobs and boosting prosperity for both nations.
This deal could support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and help the UK’s clean energy goals, he asserted.