UAE to begin talks with European Union over landmark trade deal
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed announced the talks on Thursday evening.
"The UAE shares strong and longstanding ties with the European Union and its member states, and today we agreed to launch negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU," he wrote on X.
"Through this agreement, we aim to deepen bilateral relations and promote economic growth for the benefit of our countries and peoples."
The talks come at a time of turmoil and uncertainty for global trade, sparked by US President Donald Trump's tariffs.
The UAE has since the coronavirus pandemic struck a series of trade deals, which it calls Cepas, to boost trading for the benefits of governments, businesses and consumers.
A deal with the European Union would be potentially the largest since the Emirates signed a Cepa with India in February 2022.
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