Britain seeks trade deals with Gulf countries
Britain is seeking closer ties and links with different nations following Brexit and its exit from the European Union. Aiming to make new deals to trade products and open up to a new market, the country is trying to seek opportunities with Gulf countries. The Gulf foreign ministers, who represent the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), are travelling to the UK to meet with senior British government officials at Chevening House, a 17th century mansion in the southern English county town of Kent. The meeting will last one day.
In these negotiations, Boris Johnson's government will try to reach a free trade agreement with the Middle East, in order to improve the relationship it has with these nations, as well as discussing how new trade routes can be opened up after the UK leaves Europe. Britain, for its part, is seeking cooperation in these areas where it sees an increase in the use of green and sustainable energy, and says that with funding from the Gulf, plus the technology that Britain can provide, it can help developing countries, as well as move away from the use of fossil fuels. The meeting will also address regional security issues such as Afghanistan, Yemen and Iran.
Liz Truss, the UK Foreign Secretary, is present for the meeting, where she has stated that she intends to bring all her experience as a politician to bear on reaching agreements with countries around the world, especially those in the Gulf because of their economic interests. Moreover, after Brexit, the nations of the Middle East represent an unprecedented area of economic expansion for the islands. From the Gulf countries, the foreign ministers of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates will be present, including Sultan Haitham of Oman, who has been in London for several days, where he has already met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Queen Elizabeth II.
It is expected that both the GCC and Britain will focus on trade and investment discussions, whereby the Anglo-Saxon country will recognise the strength and experience of the Gulf nations, as well as discussing education, investment in new technologies and a drive for cooperation on cybersecurity. These agreements would build on strong educational links with the region following the good recognition of British universities abroad. In addition, Britain wants to expand its military strength and have a good relationship with the Gulf states, which is a good investment for the nation.
If a firm agreement is reached, the UK is expected to make a series of visits to these countries over the course of the year to demonstrate their good relations. According to experts in the field, if all goes well, there could be talk of a union between the territories by 2022.
In addition to this, Britain has also set its sights on the United Arab Emirates, where it does not rule out bilateral agreements. David Jones, chairman of the political organisation known as 'The United Arab Emirates All Party Parliamentary Group', stated that 'our relationship is well founded in history with Britain and we have significant commercial interests across the region and, in return, the Gulf States have been important investors in the UK'. He also highlighted the country's importance in the world following the rise of Dubai and Abu Dhabi as major cities and the aerospace industry the nation is developing. "The UAE is a smart, sophisticated country that is doing great things and it is exactly the kind of people the UK wants to be in business with," Jones added.