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Turkey and Gulf States to Launch Talks for Free Trade Pact

Omer Bolat, Turkish Trade Minister said that Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council have signed an agreement to begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement. Ankara is stepping up its efforts to expand the economic ties to the region.

After years of tensions, Turkey launched in 2020 a charm offensive to repair relations with Gulf countries - namely, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Since then, it's signed deals worth billions of dollars with Gulf nations including Qatar with whom it enjoys strong relationships.

Bolat, a social media user, said that the agreement would liberalize trade of goods and services and facilitate investments and trade. It will also increase trade between our country and the region.

Ankara believes the talks will be concluded as soon as possible. He added that the pact between Turkey and the GCC members would create one of the largest free trade zones in the world, with a value of $2.4 trillion.

The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.

In their efforts to diversify away from oil, Gulf Arab countries are turning to Turkey to help develop local industries and transfer technology.

Last week, Turkey announced that it would begin talks with Britain on a FTA which included goods and services. Tuvan Gumrukcu, Clarence Fernandez and Clarence Fernandez contributed to the reporting.

(source: Reuters)