UK, Qatar talk trade cooperation

Qatar's Emir meets UK PM Starmer, discussing trade, investment, and a potential free-trade deal with GCC.

LONDON:

Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street on Wednesday as the royal wrapped up a two-day state visit to Britain.

The pair discussed trade and investment at the meeting, which came as the UK pursues a free-trade deal with oil-rich Gulf states.

Starmer's Labour government, elected in July, is hoping to conclude an agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council's six nations: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

It has staked its credibility on a pledge to grow the economy and says a GCC free trade deal could boost the UK economy by some £1.6 billion ($2 billion) and open up lucrative markets to British firms.

Welcoming the emir to his Downing Street residence, Starmer praised the "strong partnership" between the two countries, saying there was "so much more that we can do together... alongside the investment that we're able to announce today".

That was a reference to an earlier announcement on Wednesday that will see Qatar invest £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in Britain to pursue climate technologies.

Starmer also thanked the emir for his "vital role" in the Middle East, where Qatar has acted as a mediator since the October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel.