GCC, South Korea Conclude 5th Round of FTA Negotiations

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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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 Support for Afghanistan’s Security and Stability

Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)
Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support for Afghanistan’s Security and Stability

Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)
Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering support for Afghanistan’s security and stability on Tuesday, calling for respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while voicing deep concern over the humanitarian and economic challenges facing the Afghan people.

In an address before the UN General Assembly during a session on the situation in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, urged the international community to intensify efforts to deliver urgent humanitarian aid, alleviate suffering, and safeguard the rights of women and girls.

“The Kingdom stresses the importance of empowering Afghan women and enhancing their rights to education, work and participation in public life,” Al-Wasil told the gathering, citing the outcomes of the recent “Conference on the Status of Women in Islam,” hosted in Jeddah.

He also highlighted the humanitarian support extended by Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to addressing Afghanistan’s ongoing crises.

Al-Wasil warned against allowing Afghan territory to become a safe haven for terrorism or a hub for narcotics trafficking, which he said would pose a serious threat to regional and global security.

The Saudi envoy reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to supporting political, humanitarian and development initiatives aimed at achieving lasting stability in Afghanistan.