Latest news with #JasemAlBudaiwi
Arab News
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
GCC, Japan advance free trade talks as officials meet in Tokyo
RIYADH: Negotiations over a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Japan advanced further this week as officials from both sides convened in Tokyo to review progress and explore ways to accelerate discussions. The meeting, held between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Japan's Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kato Akiyoshi, focused on the strategic potential of the proposed accord and recent developments in the negotiation process, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The second round of negotiations for the agreement had concluded in Tokyo in early June, covering a wide range of issues including goods, technical barriers, terms of services, financial and telecommunications services, and intellectual property. A government delegation led by the General Authority for Foreign Trade took part in those discussions, reviewing proposals aimed at strengthening trade relations, identifying areas for cooperation, and fostering new partnerships. At this week's meeting, both sides reiterated that a free trade agreement would represent a pivotal step toward expanding trade flows, enhancing economic links, and establishing a framework for long-term cooperation. 'Al-Budaiwi reviewed a number of economic indicators and statistics for the GCC countries, noting that the GCC countries' distinguished economic performance, and the sustainable growth and development they are witnessing in various sectors, have contributed to strengthening their position regionally and internationally,' SPA's report stated. The officials stated that the accord could open broader avenues for exchange and contribute to a sustainable economic partnership serving shared interests.
Arab News
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Japan looks to GCC countries for stability in Middle East
TOKYO: Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met on Monday with the GCC's Secretary-General Dr. Jasem Al-Budaiwi to discuss the global oil industry and growing instability in the Middle East. Iwaya said the GCC countries are playing an increasingly important role amid regional and international turmoil, Japan's Foreign Ministry stated. Japan wants to deepen political and economic cooperation with the GCC to bring peace and stability to the region, including the conclusion of the Japan-GCC Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations. Al-Budaiwi said the regional bloc was also hoping for the completion of EPA talks, and further cooperation under the Japan-GCC Action Plan. Al-Budaiwi added that Tokyo was an important partner and extended an invitation for a meeting of the two parties' foreign ministers. The officials spoke candidly about issues in the Middle East, including the Israel and Iran conflict, attacks on the Gaza Strip and situation in Syria. Iwaya said Japan would continue its diplomatic efforts to ensure the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran is implemented and avenues for dialogue are reopened. Al-Budaiwi echoed this view and said the GCC nations remained committed to dialogue. The officials shared their concerns about acts that threaten shipping routes, and attacks on oil facilities. • This article also appears on Arab News Japan
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GCC states gear up for unified tourist visa
Riyadh – The GCC has taken a major step toward transforming regional travel by accelerating plans to launch a unified tourist visa. During the 39th meeting of Gulf Interior Ministries' Passport Directors held in Riyadh, Secretary-General Jasem al Budaiwi applauded the technical teams for their 'valuable and ongoing efforts' in rolling out this venture. The discussions covered the current progress on the visa framework and explored how to streamline passport procedures across all GCC nations. Such a visa aims to enhance mobility, simplify cross-border tourism, and deepen regional unity—moving closer to the broader vision set by GCC leaders . This development reflects the collective ambition of Gulf states to bolster security cooperation, improve travel convenience, and foster stronger socio-economic ties, all while harnessing advanced technologies to meet evolving security needs . © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
GCC secretary general attends Gulf parliament speakers' meeting
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi participated in a meeting of the speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the GCC states, alongside President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Al-Budaiwi emphasized the importance of establishing a stable mechanism to regulate the relationship between the Gulf parliaments and the European Parliament, an official report said. 'The importance of this meeting lies in its timing, which comes at a time when Gulf-European relations are witnessing a growing trend on most levels and a convergence of views on many regional and international issues,' he said in an official statement.
Khaleej Times
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
GCC emergency centre activated amid Israeli-Iran conflict
The GCC Emergency Management Centre has been activated in the aftermath of the Israeli aggression against Iran, according to Kuwaiti news agency reports. The decision is part of preventive measures in case of technical indications due to attack on nuclear facilities. However, there is no reason for worry so far with all technical indications in safe limits, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al Budaiwi said.
