Prime Minister Rishi Sunak yesterday engaged in a significant diplomatic call with His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, addressing pressing regional security concerns and bilateral relations. The Prime Minister opened the discussion by unequivocally condemning the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia attributed to Iran and Houthi forces, signalling strong UK support for Saudi security.
A key focus of the conversation was the ongoing crisis in Gaza, with both leaders reiterating the critical importance of a two-state solution as the pathway to lasting peace between Palestine and Israel. This aligns with the long-standing international position on the conflict, emphasising the need for a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.
Beyond immediate security matters, the Prime Minister outlined his government's commitment to deepening defence collaboration with Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the recent appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth as the UK’s Defence Envoy to Saudi Arabia, an move intended to bolster strategic partnership and cooperation in military and security affairs. This initiative underscores the UK's desire to strengthen its presence and influence in the Gulf region.
Economically, Mr Sunak expressed his intention to significantly increase trade opportunities between the two nations. This push for enhanced trade is part of the government's broader strategy to foster economic growth within the UK by expanding international markets and forging stronger commercial ties with key global partners like Saudi Arabia. Such efforts are crucial for the UK economy in a post-Brexit landscape.
Looking ahead, the leaders also acknowledged the upcoming centenary in 2027 of the signing of the Treaty of Jeddah. This historical agreement, which recognised the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd (the precursor to modern Saudi Arabia), holds considerable symbolic weight in the relationship between the two countries, underscoring a century of diplomatic ties. The conversation concluded with an expectation of further engagement between the two leaders in the near future, indicating a desire to maintain high-level dialogue on these important issues.