The European Commission announced on Thursday that EC President Ursula von der Leyen and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to initiate free trade negotiations during a telephone discussion.
"This marks a positive step forward in EU–UAE relations and, alongside the negotiation of broader Strategic Partnership Agreements, can serve as a catalyst for stronger ties between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," the statement showed.
The forthcoming talks will aim at expanding trade in goods, services, and investments, while strengthening collaboration in key areas, including renewable energy, green hydrogen, and critical raw materials.
