The British newspaper "The Times" has reported that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, is anticipated to visit the United Kingdom this fall, marking his first visit since 2018.
Prince Mohammad's last visit to the UK was in March 2018, during the tenure of then-Prime Minister Theresa May. During that visit, he had an audience with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
According to the British newspaper, "Downing Street" has extended an invitation to the Crown Prince at a time when the UK government aims to capitalize on Saudi Arabia's massive investment program worth a trillion pounds. This program is designed to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil.
The report also notes that the UK government is seeking Saudi support for an early trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role.
A government source mentioned that any visit by the Saudi delegation this year is expected to include a meeting with Prince Charles, highlighting the historically close ties that the British royal family has had with its Saudi counterparts.
The article also points out that ministers from SONAK (Saudi National Company) are eager for the visit to yield tangible benefits for the United Kingdom ahead of the upcoming general elections.
A government insider stated that invitations have been extended to the Saudi delegation, and discussions are ongoing regarding the nature of the trip. The aim in London is to achieve concrete results by the end of the year.
Moreover, a government figure stated that Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid transformation similar to what Dubai experienced ten or fifteen years ago. This presents enormous opportunities for the British service sector in fields such as architecture, banking, and law, according to the source.
The source further confirmed that Riyadh has become a key player within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and will be instrumental in shaping the terms of the deal.
Follow the latest news on Google News
