UK On Verge of Trade Deal With Gulf States, Says Head of GCC

The UK is set to finalize a long-awaited trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council on Wednesday, according to Saudi Arabian state media, deepening its ties with the oil-rich nations at a time of rising geopolitical tension and economic pressures.

British officials will sign a statement concluding the negotiations for the free trade agreement in London, the Saudi Press Agency said on Tuesday, citing the secretary-general of the GCC. It will mark an end to four years of talks with the group, which also includes the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. UK ministers had hoped they could complete the deal before the end of last year, after Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited Saudi Arabia in October.