RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly known as MBS, is reportedly planning to visit the United Kingdom (UK) later this year, according to the Financial Times. The trip, expected to occur in October or November, comes as part of a broader effort by Western nations to rebuild ties with Saudi Arabia.
The British government has extended an invitation to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit London later this year.
Confirming the visit, a British government official stated that the exact timing would be determined by the Saudi delegation, as the UK relies on Saudi Arabia more than the reverse. The UK Prime Minister’s Office, Downing Street, declined to confirm the specifics of a foreign leader’s visit.
Saudi Crown Prince’s Recent Engagements
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has engaged in recent meetings with various Western leaders, including US President Joe Biden and France’s Emmanuel Macron. The reported visit to the UK indicates an ongoing effort to rebuild diplomatic relations and explore avenues for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Western nations.
The potential visit by MBS to the UK will likely attract significant attention. It presents an opportunity for both countries to discuss regional stability.
Saudi Arabia stands as one of the United Kingdom’s major economic partners in the region, with bilateral trade amounting to £17.3 billion ($22.68 billion) in 2022, according to the British government.
