<h1>National government and regional bloc commit to finalize free trade agreement by year-end and deepen defence, security ties</h1> A national government and a regional bloc reaffirmed commitments to conclude a free trade agreement and a security and defence partnership, including a security of information agreement, with negotiating teams tasked to finalize the FTA by year-end. Delegates from the bloc's political and security committee, on a first visit to the region, reviewed expanded cooperation across security, defence, maritime security, cyber and counter-terrorism, and explored defence industry and manufacturing collaboration. Briefings included a regional information fusion centre and defence industry representatives, building on existing bilateral dialogue mechanisms to deepen the strategic partnership.