Page 449 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - JULY 2024

"We initiated the discussion, through both the GCC as well as bilaterally, and we're getting the
support from many of the EU members," Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi told Reuters in an
interview.

He said either EU-GCC or bilateral EU-UAE talks would be an "added value" but added he was
optimistic the talks would be bilateral.
The UAE has long advocated deeper EU involvement in the Gulf region.

The EU and energy-rich GCC started trade talks in 1990 that, if reached, would give companies
in the European bloc better access to what is today the EU's sixth-biggest export market.
However, the talks were formally suspended in 2008.
A broader deal with the GCC could further open EU member states to investments from Gulf
sovereign wealth funds, major cross-sector investors who take a decades-long outlook.

Al Zeyoudi said the UAE expects to conclude a free trade zone agreement with the Eurasian
Economic Union, which includes Russia and Belarus, before the end of year.

The minister said he did not think that would affect the UAE's efforts to pursue a closer
relationship with the EU.

"We're going to be always open and keen in expanding the relationship with anyone," he said.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/economy/uae-hopes-to-reactivate-trade-talks-with-eu-
this-year