Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Bahraini Ambassador to the United Kingdom, took part in a panel discussion titled “Beyond the FTA – Understanding Regional Transformation and Expanding UK-GCC Relations.” The event was co-organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the UK and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. It occurred during the Conservative Party’s annual conference in Manchester.
The panel discussion featured several prominent figures, including Dr. Liam Fox, Member of the House of Commons for the Conservative Party, Chair of the Global Britain Commission, and former Secretary of State for International Trade; Dr. Azeem Ibrahim, Research Professor at the Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College, and a Director at the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington D.C; and Charlotte Leslie, Director of the Conservative Middle East Council (CMEC).
In his address, Shaikh Fawaz highlighted the positive economic prospects in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, noting that the collective GDP of GCC countries stands at $2.4 trillion and is expected to reach $6 trillion by 2050. He also mentioned that GCC stock markets rank fifth among the world’s ten largest, and three GCC countries lead the list of the top 20 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index. He emphasized the diverse investment opportunities available in the region across various sectors and industries.
The Ambassador noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain serves as a regional and global example of peaceful coexistence, despite ongoing conflicts and misunderstandings in the region. He highlighted Bahrain’s experience in peaceful coexistence and its potential for contributing to peace in the region.
Dr. Liam Fox underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the UK and GCC countries, particularly in the realms of security and the economy. He emphasized the positive political changes in the region following the signing of the Abraham Accord Principles.
Dr. Azeem Ibrahim emphasized the Gulf region’s role as a gateway to cooperation with the Indo-Pacific region, the most developed region globally. He stressed the significance of the UK’s collaboration with the GCC, particularly in innovation and growth, citing the GCC’s 7% economic growth last year.
Charlotte Leslie pointed out that GCC countries have embarked on ambitious reform agendas aimed at achieving sustainable solutions for the region’s long-term goals. She highlighted investments in industries such as space exploration, smart cities, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.
The event, hosted by the Bahraini Embassy, provided a platform for discussions on strengthening cooperation between the UK and the GCC, exploring opportunities and challenges in the region. It was attended by numerous participants at the Conservative Party Conference.
