GCC Secretary General, UK Minister Discuss Middle East Developments

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, met with UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer on Thursday at the British Foreign Office in London, according to a GCC news release. During the meeting, several topics were discussed, including a review of the relations between the GCC and the United Kingdom within the framework of their strategic partnership and ways to develop and enhance these ties to serve mutual interests. The latest developments in the negotiations for a free trade agreement between the GCC and the UK were also addressed. Albudaiwi mentioned that recent developments in the Middle East were reviewed, particularly the serious Israeli violations against innocent civilians in Gaza and the impact of this crisis on regional and global security and stability. He emphasized that both sides underscored the importance of Israel facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. He also noted that both sides affirmed the necessity of resolving this crisis in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and discussed ways to address regional challenges and enhance stability and security in the region. Source: Saudi Press Agency