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<p>The UK is taking steps both bilaterally and in the European Union to support stronger
economic ties with Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries.</p><p /> <p>
</p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p>The Gulf Cooperation Council suspended negotiations
with the EU in 2008. However, the UK is working closely with European partners to
build on existing Association Agreements (AA) in the region through the Union for
the Mediterranean which brings together the EU and 15 countries of the MENA and Southern
Mediterranean region. This work is an opportunity to reduce tariffs and further open
up these markets for British businesses. The UK has also supported the opening of
trade talks with Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan and Egypt. Of these, the most advanced trade
talks are with Morocco; very recently an agreement was concluded to protect Geographical
Indications (GIs).</p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p>UK Trade
and Investment also has offices throughout the region working with business to increase
UK exports, including a Middle East and North Africa marketing hub in Dubai. The Gulf
region is also one of the priorities in the Government’s strategy for international
education. In this regard the Government has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding
on Higher Education and Research with Kuwait (June 2014), and one on Mutual Recognition
of Qualifications with the UAE (May 2013).</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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