Saudi Crown Prince Receives British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Al-Yamamah Palace
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman welcomed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday. An official reception ceremony marked the arrival of the British leader, followed by extensive discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
During their meeting, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Starmer reviewed the robust relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, exploring opportunities to bolster cooperation in various sectors. The leaders discussed potential investments to harness shared resources, regional and international developments, and efforts to address issues of mutual interest.
The Crown Prince expressed his pleasure in hosting Prime Minister Starmer and his delegation, wishing them a productive visit. Starmer, in turn, conveyed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended by the Kingdom. The meeting was attended by several senior Saudi ministers and high-ranking British officials.
Key Topics of Discussion
Starmer’s visit comes as part of a broader Middle Eastern tour aimed at advancing strategic partnerships. Talks with Saudi leaders focused on several critical areas:
- Accelerating progress on a potential free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
- Strengthening defense and security collaborations.
- Encouraging increased Saudi investments in the UK, particularly in innovation and technology.
A highlight of the visit was the announcement of a graphene-enriched carbon fiber factory project in Saudi Arabia, set to create jobs in northern England, showcasing the economic and technological synergies between the two nations.
Regional Cooperation
Earlier, Starmer concluded a visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he engaged in wide-ranging talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of his Saudi visit, Starmer emphasized the region’s untapped potential and his commitment to deepening research, development, and partnerships in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and defense.
Official Welcome
Starmer was received at King Khalid International Airport by Deputy Emir of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Saudi Ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, and other dignitaries.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are already significant investors in the UK. This visit underscores the shared vision to deepen ties in economic, technological, and defense sectors, paving the way for further collaboration and mutual prosperity.
