LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has been invited to the United Kingdom (UK) on an official visit, Financial Times reported on Thursday.
Rishi Sunak and Mohammed bin Salman spoke on Thursday and pledged to meet soon, Downing Street said, after reports that the Saudi leader had been invited to visit Britain.
In a significant development signaling the intent to bolster diplomatic and strategic relations, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engaged in a constructive conversation on Thursday. Downing Street confirmed the call and revealed that both leaders have pledged to convene in person in the near future. The dialogue also extended to exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration in defense and security domains.
The development underscores a shared commitment between Saudi Arabia and the UK to cultivate multifaceted cooperation, encompassing trade, investment, defense, security, and strategic partnerships.
The anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Sunak and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is poised to amplify the enduring connections between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. Downing Street emphasized that Sunak is keen on deepening the long-standing and multifaceted ties between the two nations.
During the call, both leaders emphasized their commitment to elevating the trade and investment collaboration between the UK and Saudi Arabia. The discussions also encompassed strategies for reinforcing defense and security bonds.
Significance of Saudi Crown Prince’s Visit to UK
The Times reported that plans for the Crown Prince’s visit to the UK have been tentatively outlined for the coming months. However, there was no immediate confirmation from Sunak’s office when approached for comment by AFP. The potential visit follows an earlier interaction between Sunak and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in November, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali. During that meeting, discussions revolved around the dynamic and volatile energy markets. The leaders expressed their eagerness to convene face-to-face and further explore avenues for enhanced cooperation, deepening the comprehensive ties between the two nations.
UK ministers have demonstrated a growing eagerness to foster closer bonds with Saudi Arabia, evident in their proactive stance toward expanding economic ties. The opening of an investment fund office in London by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund has symbolized a strategic move to diversify the nation’s economy beyond oil.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has also been a significant player in international sports investments, including the acquisition of Premier League club Newcastle United and strategic engagements in professional golf. Furthermore, exploratory discussions for collaboration in sectors such as space, technology, and critical minerals have been initiated between the two nations.
This forthcoming visit follows Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s previous trip to the UK in March 2018, during the tenure of then-Prime Minister Theresa May. The visit featured engagements with prominent UK figures, including lunch with the Queen and meetings with the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge.
