Foreign Minister participates in joint ministerial meeting of GCC, UK foreign ministers

New York, Sep. 25 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the joint ministerial meeting in New York between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Kingdom foreign ministers, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The GCC delegation was led by Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, and Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council, while the UK was chaired by Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with the presence of Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC.

The meeting reviewed the longstanding partnership between the GCC and the UK, highlighting progress in various domains and means to enhance joint coordination to meet shared goals and interests. Regional developments were discussed, along with advancing cooperation in line with the strategic partnership.

The ministers confirmed their commitment to peace, working together to resolve conflicts and instability, commending GCC efforts to end regional disputes through dialogue and mediation. They welcomed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Both sides committed to enhancing free trade and prioritising a free trade agreement between the GCC and the UK to enhance trade and investment ties.

GCC foreign ministers expressed appreciation for the UK recognising the independent State of Palestine and emphasised the importance of continuing international efforts for comprehensive peace in the region.

The meeting included Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.