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 to Host First Meeting of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Saudi Arabia to Host First Meeting of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Cybersecurity Authority, is set to host on Monday the inaugural meeting of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council.

The meeting will be attended by ministers and officials responsible for cybersecurity in Arab League member states, alongside the organization’s Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The agenda includes discussions on key topics of mutual interest, such as drafting the Arab cybersecurity strategy, organizing joint cybersecurity exercises, and reviewing working papers submitted by Arab League member states. These initiatives aim to foster enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity across the Arab region.

The Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council, established following a proposal by Saudi Arabia and endorsed by all Arab countries, is tasked with formulating general policies, strategies, and priorities to advance joint Arab efforts in cybersecurity.

Its objectives include enhancing collaboration, coordinating efforts among Arab states on cybersecurity issues, sharing knowledge and expertise, and safeguarding member states' interests in international cybersecurity organizations. The council also seeks to develop a unified Arab stance on cybersecurity matters in international forums and contribute to creating a secure and trustworthy Arab cyberspace that promotes growth and prosperity for all member states.