Saudi Crown Prince and UK PM Starmer Strengthen Strategic Ties in Riyadh

KSA, 10 December, 2024 :  Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman hosted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Al-Yamamah Palace on Monday. The meeting, marked by an official reception, focused on strengthening Saudi-UK ties and addressing key regional and global issues.

Discussions emphasized advancing a potential Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) free trade agreement, bolstering defense and security partnerships, and encouraging greater Saudi investments in the UK. As part of the visit, Starmer announced the launch of a graphene-enriched carbon fiber factory in Saudi Arabia, a project expected to generate significant employment in northern England.

Starmer, who visited the UAE prior to Riyadh, underscored the region’s vast untapped potential. “I am here to accelerate progress on the GCC Free Trade Agreement, deepen research and development collaboration, and partner on future-focused projects in artificial intelligence and defense,” he stated.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are already key investors in the UK, and this visit aimed to further enhance these ties, particularly in innovation, technology, and economic cooperation.