UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Britain Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit the Gulf to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, focusing on investment, security cooperation and Middle East stability.
According to Number 10, during his inaugural Gulf visit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to increase UK investment and enhance defence and security partnerships.
The statement described these two Middle Eastern nations are considered among Britain’s “most vital modern-day partners.”
Sir Keir will fly to the Gulf tonight and meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Monday.
As reported by Sky News, Sir Keir Starmer later on the same day will head to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Number 10 said that Sir Keir Starmer’s visit will prioritize Middle East stability, addressing the urgent need for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, securing hostages, and the fast delivery of aid to Gaza.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Keir Starmer stated, “There is huge untapped potential in this region, which is why, while here, I will be making the case to accelerate progress on the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement.”
Sir Starmer added the purpose of this visit is to “deepen our research and development collaboration” and to collaborate in different areas including defence and artificial intelligence.
Keir’s official visit will conclude on Tuesday in Nicosia, where he will hold his first historic discussion with President Nikos Christodoulides. This will mark the first talks between Britain and Cyprus in more than 50 years.
Human rights groups urge Sir Keir to discuss the rising number of executions with Saudi leaders.
Sir Starmer’s visit to UAE and Saudi Arabia marks his 15th international trip since becoming Prime Minister on July 5.
The opposition have raised concerns over his time spent abroad, while allies insist that these visits have been crucial for building strong relationships with world leaders.
Strengthening UK-Gulf relations
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are key investors in Britain, with trade between the two countries valued at ÂŁ23 billion with the UAE and ÂŁ17 billion with Saudi Arabia.
More than 7,000 UK companies export goods to Saudi Arabia, with such goods and services supporting almost 90,000 jobs across the country, while 14,000 UK businesses sent goods to the UAE last year.
The British largest defence export market is Saudi Arabia, with a value of ÂŁ3.8 billion annually to UK’s industry.
UK trade ministers paid a visit to the Gulf in September to advance free trade deal talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s emir, was in Britain for an official two-day state visit earlier this week, welcomed by King Charles and Starmer in a ceremonial display. The trip ended with both nations agreeing to enhance their investment partnership.
Reprieve urges action on executions
The nonprofit organization Reprieve urges Sir Keir to discuss the “execution crisis” with Saudi leaders.
Saudi Arabia sets a new record for the highest ever total in one year with 300 executions.
Dan Dolan, Reprieve’s deputy executive director stated, “When Boris Johnson visited Mohammed bin Salman in 2022, three days after the mass execution of 81 people, Sir Keir Starmer was rightly scathing of Johnson’s unconditional embrace of one of the world’s most prolific executioners of protesters.”
He added, “Now he is the prime minister, he has the opportunity to address the escalating execution crisis in Saudi Arabia.”