London, May 20 (QNA) - HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani affirmed Wednesday that the signing of the joint statement concluding negotiations on the free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United Kingdom represents a significant milestone in Gulf-British relations, marking the transition from the negotiation phase to a long-term institutional economic partnership.

In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency said that for the State of Qatar, the agreement reflects the success of the country's approach to diversifying international economic partnerships and strengthening its position as a regional hub for trade, investment and energy.

He added that it also confirms Qatar's orientation toward building a competitive economy based on openness and integration with major global economies, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Regarding the strategic importance of the agreement, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani noted that Qatar views the deal as a new strategic framework for Gulf-British relations that goes beyond traditional trade exchange toward deeper partnerships in investment, energy, technology and the digital economy.

He pointed out that Qatar's approach in this context is based on strengthening partnerships that support sustainable development, knowledge transfer, private sector empowerment, and consolidating the country's position as a trusted international partner in the region.

On the most prominent economic benefits for Qatar, His Excellency said the agreement is expected to open broader opportunities for the Qatari economy in the sectors of energy, financial services, logistics, education, healthcare, technology and investment. It will also contribute to facilitating the access of Qatari companies to the British market and enhancing mutual investments.

Qatar's direction, he noted, is to leverage the agreement to accelerate economic diversification, strengthen the knowledge and digital economy, and enhance the global competitiveness of the Qatari private sector.

Regarding the timing of the signing and its implications, His Excellency explained that signing the agreement amid current regional and international challenges sends a clear message that the Gulf states and the United Kingdom believe in the importance of economic stability and long-term cooperation.

As for Qatar, he said, the agreement reflects the country's commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy and consolidating its role as a state that supports stability, dialogue and international cooperation, in addition to enhancing energy security and global supply chains.

He added that the next phase will witness expanded cooperation in the fields of industry, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, cybersecurity, financial services, clean energy and innovation, noting that Qatar's direction focuses on building high-quality partnerships based on advanced technology, expertise transfer and the development of national capabilities, in support of the country's transformation into a regional hub for innovation and business.

On the political message of the agreement, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani said the agreement carries an important political message that Gulf-British relations are based on trust, shared interests and a long-term vision despite global geopolitical challenges.

He added that it also reflects Qatar's approach toward strengthening balanced partnerships with major international powers and reinforcing its role as an active player in supporting regional stability and international economic cooperation.

His Excellency noted that Gulf-British relations continue to develop steadily, while Qatari-British relations are distinguished by strategic depth spanning politics, energy, investment, education, defense and culture.

He stressed that Qatar seeks to develop this relationship into a model for modern partnerships based on mutual interests, long-term investment and cooperation in future-oriented sectors.

Regarding the next steps for implementing the agreement, His Excellency explained that the coming phase will include completing legal procedures and formal ratification, followed by activating technical committees and cooperation mechanisms between governments and the private sector.

Qatar's focus, he said, is on swiftly translating the agreement into practical opportunities, investments and genuine partnerships that benefit the national economy and support the country's business environment.

On the key features of the agreement, His Excellency underlined that it aims to facilitate trade and investment flows, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen cooperation in services, digital trade and investment protection.

He added that Qatar's direction is to benefit from the agreement to expand its global trade and investment presence and reinforce its role as an economic and logistics hub linking regional and international markets.

HE the Ambassador pointed out that the agreement confirms that the Gulf states have become a pivotal partner within Britain's new trade policy due to their economic and investment standing and importance to global energy security.

He stressed that Qatar enjoys a special status as a trusted strategic partner of Britain, and that the country seeks to strengthen this position through long-term economic and investment partnerships that support the shared interests of both sides.

Regarding the extent to which the agreement represents a shift toward strategic economic integration between the two sides, His Excellency affirmed that Gulf-British relations, and Qatari-British relations in particular, are moving toward a phase of strategic economic integration, especially with the expansion of cooperation in technology, financial services, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and investment.

He noted that Qatar, at this stage, is seeking to build a sustainable and diversified economy based on innovation and knowledge, while strengthening its international partnerships in a way that serves national development and enhances its global economic presence. (QNA)