GCC Chief, Irish Minister Hold Talks on EU Trade Deal at Antalya Forum

ISTANBUL: The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, met with Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum held in Türkiye on Saturday.

According to a statement from the GCC General Secretariat, Byrne commended the council’s significant efforts in evacuating Irish citizens amid the recent regional crisis.

Both sides also emphasized the need to accelerate negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the GCC and the European Union, describing it as a crucial step toward strengthening economic and political ties between Gulf and European nations.

The meeting highlighted growing cooperation between the two sides, particularly in areas of trade, security, and crisis response.