A European Commission (EC) team has met Gulf Arab officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss a long-stalled free trade agreement between the European Union and the GCC, reported the Gulf Daily News.
The meeting was held in Riyadh to pave the way for a new round of talks over forging the pact, which has been hampered by European demands for a GCC common tariff structure and protection of EU policies.
"This meeting was a starting point for a new round of talks later this year ... and to discuss the opening of a European Commission office in Riyadh," a European diplomat said.
"It was a good opportunity for the EU to renew and express clear interest in the GCC market and for discussion on the free trade zone," he added – Albawaba.com
