MANAMA - The Gulf Cooperation Council and Turkey Monday morning signed a framework agreement for establishing a free trade zone. The accord was signed, on behalf of the GCC, by Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa whose country now heads the council. It was also signed by the GCC`s Secretary-General Abdel-Rahman Al-Attiya as well as Turkish Foreign Minister Abdallah Gul.
"The accord shows once again that the two sides are determined to coordinate and cooperate at economic, cultural and scientific levels," Sheikh Mohammad said.
He added that the accord would "pave the way for setting up a free zone between the two sides and would encourage more mutual investments." Meanwhile, Bahrain and Turkey on Monday inked a deal waving off visa requirements for GCC nationals on entering Turkey and for Turks entering the GCC.
Sheikh Mohammad said that the second deal was expected "in view of the determination of the two sides to lift their relations to a higher level." He praised Turkey`s role in "helping to achieve a lasting and honorable peace between the Palestinians and Israelis."
-KUNA