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Turkey and Gulf states to release talks free of charge trade pact

Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually signed a deal to launch negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat stated on Thursday, as Ankara steps up efforts to broaden financial ties with the region.

After years of stress, Turkey introduced a diplomatic charm offensive in 2020 to repair ties with Gulf nations, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. Ankara currently has a trade agreement, dubbed an extensive economic collaboration arrangement, with the UAE.

Ever since, Ankara has actually signed deals worth billions with Gulf countries, including Qatar, with which it enjoys strong ties.

The agreement will liberalize sell products and services, assist in financial investments and trade, and increase our country's. trade with the area, Bolat said on social media platform X.

Ankara thought the talks would be finished as soon as. possible, he included, stating the pact would result in one of the. world's biggest open market locations, in between Turkey and members of. the GCC, with a total value of $2.4 trillion.

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

In a statement, GCC Secretary General Jasem al-Budaiwi said. the accord to release FTA talks is a presentation of the robust. and strategic collaboration in between the GCC nations and Turkey.

He said it showcased effective cooperation in between the GCC. and Turkey throughout numerous fields, including commerce, economics,. and financing.

As ties have actually improved, Gulf Arab countries are looking to. Turkey for assistance developing local markets and technology. transfer in their enthusiastic effort to diversify their economies. far from oil.

Last week, Turkey and Britain said they would release talks. on a broadened FTA to consist of products and services in the offer.

(source: Reuters)