GCC, South Korea Conclude 5th Round of FTA Negotiations

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
TT

GCC, South Korea Conclude 5th Round of FTA Negotiations

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and South Korea concluded in Riyadh on Thursday the fifth round of negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA), reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The two sides launched their negotiations on June 6, during which they tackled many topics aimed at increasing the flow of intra-trade, boosting investments, and opening global markets to the exports of the GCC member states.

General Coordinator of Negotiations and Head of the GCC Negotiating Team, Abdurrahman bin Ahmed Al-Harbi stated that such agreements are in line with the directives of the leaders of GCC member states that aim at strengthening the position of the Council and supporting its strategic relations with its partners around the world.

He said the agreement, which is under negotiation, will help bolster common gains, stimulate economic, commercial and investment growth in the GCC countries, support entrepreneurship and strengthen the business sectors in the GCC countries.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf Security Integration

Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf Security Integration

Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening security coordination and cooperation among Gulf nations.
Speaking at the 41st GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Qatar on Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of protecting the region’s prosperity and ensuring a brighter future.
The meeting, chaired by Qatar’s Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, focused on enhancing joint security efforts and addressing key issues on the agenda.
Prince Abdulaziz warned of rising security challenges, including cybercrime, drug trafficking, and cross-border organized crime, during the GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Qatar.
He noted that advanced technologies are making it easier for criminal networks to smuggle weapons and fuel terrorism and extremism, especially in unstable regions.
The minister called for stronger collaboration, better strategies, and capacity-building to tackle these threats.
He also said that the GCC interior ministers’ meeting strengthens joint security efforts to tackle new challenges, supporting regional stability and development.
In a post on X, Prince Abdulaziz affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to boosting communication, coordination, and integration among Gulf nations, particularly in security, to protect progress and ensure a brighter future.