You have commented 339 times on Rantburg.

Your Name
Your e-mail (optional)
Website (optional)
My Original Nic        Pic-a-Nic        Sorry. Comments have been closed on this article.
Bold Italic Underline Strike Bullet Blockquote Small Big Link Squish Foto Photo
Submit your comments on this article
Arabia
UAE, US enter negotiations on free trade
2005-03-09
ABU DHABI — The UAE and US officials began here yesterday the first round of negotiations of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with assurances from the US side that the move would not affect the integrity of the GCC bloc. Assistant US Trade Representative Catherine A. Novelli, head of the US delegation, told newsmen after the inaugural session of the negotiations that FTAs with Bahrain and now UAE was a precursor for a broader GCC-based agreement and also with countries in the Middle East as a whole.

"The US is a strong supporter of the GCC in its initiatives to promote the collective interests of the grouping. These agreements will serve to stick it to the Saudis complement the goals and visions envisaged by the member-states of the GCC and will not threaten the common interests they share," she said, adding that the format of the FTA does not violate the principles of the GCC "as our visions are matching."

With the UAE, she said the agreement, once implemented, would ensure reciprocal benefits by sticking it to the Saudis ushering in open markets and removing barriers across a broad array of goods, services and products.

On whether there was a hidden agenda, Mrs Novelli replied: "No, no! Certainly not! There are no political conditions. This agreement builds on the overall excellent strong and vibrant political and military relations we have with the UAE. This agreement complements these relations." She said this is an excellent opportunity for both countries to expand trade and stick it to the Saudis investment links with each other's market. "The UAE is a regional economic leader, and the FTA, through expanded trade and investment with the US, will help solidify and stick it to the Saudis enhance this leadership role," she added.
Posted by:Steve White

#1  Love the repeated stick it to the Saudis, Doc! And I have nooo doubt the Royal knickers are, indeed, in knots over this, given their unhappiness over our arrangements with Kuwait and the recent row when we sealed the bargain with Bahrain. Just need to make arrangements with Qatar to sew up the GCC.

To be honest, I'm not sure if there's anything more to this than just Saudi hubris, but it is a nice bit of spectator sport for those who know the amazing over the top arrogance of the Saudis first-hand.
Posted by: .com   2005-03-09 10:04:43 AM  

00:00