London, Shawwal 16, 1437, Jul 21, 2016, SPA -- A major conference Thursday reaffirmed the importance of trade and business relations between the UK and the GCC countries, with a view to take advantage of the new opportunities provided by the British decision to exit from the EU. "The second GCC-British Forum" was organized by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce. It was attended by Duke of York Prince Andrew as well as senior ministers, officials and businessmen from the GCC and the UK to discuss furthering trade, business and investment between the two sides. GCC Secretary General Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani was optimistic that the British government would successfully manage Brexit, and in the end this move would make no difference to its wide-ranging ties with the GCC. He underscored that the two sides are determined to develop and promote their partnership and co-operation in political, economic and trade fields. In the meantime, he warned against the challenges the world is facing as a result of the threat of violence and terrorism, while pledging that the UK and the GCC would stand firm to face that growing menace. The GCC Secretary General reiterated that "this time of change also represents time for new opportunities." --SPA 17:37 LOCAL TIME 14:37 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w