RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, deputy premier and defense minister, will embark on a landmark visit to London on Wednesday.
The visit will focus on defense, security and economic ties. The two sides will also review key bilateral and regional issues.
The crown prince “will hold wide-ranging talks with top British officials including Prime Minister Theresa May,” the UK government said in a statement.
British Ambassador Simon Collis told Arab News on Sunday: “The relationship between our two countries is historic and forward-looking, and the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed will establish the platform for this relationship to become even stronger.”
The partnership “helps make both of our countries safer through intelligence sharing, and more prosperous with substantial opportunities for two-way trade,” Collis said.
“This will be the crown prince’s first visit to the UK since his appointment in June 2017, and since the Vision 2030 program of economic and social reforms that provide opportunities for British businesses to help support delivery in areas such as education, entertainment and health care.”
Shoura Council member Mohammed Al-Khunaizi said: “The UK is a major defense partner of the Kingdom. This cooperation, especially in the fields of security and intelligence sharing, makes both countries safer.”
He added: “The visit of Crown Prince Mohammed will be an opportunity to hold consultations candidly and constructively on bilateral and regional issues.”
Al-Khunaizi said: “Britain, a member of the UN Security Council, has been a dependable supplier of arms and defense equipment to Gulf states.”
He spoke of growing relations between Saudi Arabia and the UK regarding education and parliamentary cooperation.
“A British parliamentary delegation led by Leo Docherty, a Conservative MP, visited the Kingdom in September last year and discussed ways to enhance parliamentary cooperation,” Al-Khunaizi said.
Shoura member Hoda Abdulrahman Al-Helaissi said the crown prince’s three-day trip to London “is significant as Saudi-British relations have always been cordial.”
She added: “From holidaying to seeking medical services or trade opportunities, and more importantly benefiting from a first-class education, Britain has always been one of the top destinations for Saudis.”
Dr. Maha Al-Moneef, a consultant at the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, said the visit will “promote further cooperation in numerous fields, contributing to human development, and achieving progress and prosperity for the Saudi people.”
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Qayid, a founding member of the National Society of Human Rights (NSHR), said Vision 2030 “will get a major boost” from the visit, which will add “more defense, security and commercial content to Saudi-British relations.”
Businessman Sadaka Al-Hamdan said: “The Kingdom is the largest trading partner of Britain in the Middle East.”
He added: “Saudi Arabia is a high growth market that offers plenty of opportunities for British companies in different sectors.”
The UK is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest cumulative investor, with about 200 joint ventures worth an estimated $15 billion in total.
Saudi crown prince visits Britain on Wednesday
Saudi crown prince visits Britain on Wednesday
Japanese envoy bids farewell, reflects on Saudi Arabia’s transformation, cultural legacy
RIYADH: As he prepares to leave Saudi Arabia, Japan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Iwai Fumio, affectionately known as “Abu Kuji” among his Saudi friends, reflects on the sweeping transformations he witnessed during his tenure.
“Saudi Arabia feels like a second home,” he said.
“The connection I feel to this country and its people is truly unique,” Iwai added.
Under the ambitious Vision 2030 framework, he observed the Kingdom evolving at an unprecedented pace, blending progress with the preservation of its cultural legacy.
“Vision 2030 isn’t just about change — it’s a complete reimagining of what Saudi Arabia can be,” he said, emphasizing how the initiative reshaped the Kingdom’s economy and expanded its influence.
As Saudi Arabia emerged as a regional hub, attracting investment and establishing global partnerships, the ambassador noted the Kingdom’s growing role on the world stage.
From the bustling streets of Riyadh to the awe-inspiring landscapes of AlUla and the towering peaks of Asir, he has seen firsthand the beauty and spirit of a nation embracing change while honoring its heritage.
“Each place tells a story of resilience and pride,” he said, noting how the Kingdom’s diverse regions reflect the harmony of tradition and progress.
Iwai spoke with deep appreciation of the hospitality he encountered throughout his time in Saudi Arabia. “The warmth here is unmatched,” he said, recalling how Saudis welcomed him not just as a diplomat but as part of their extended community.
The title “Abu Kuji” itself, bestowed upon him by his Saudi friends, symbolizes a personal connection and affection that goes beyond formal diplomacy.
“There is a sincerity here, a tradition of openness and generosity that is incredibly touching,” he remarked. “It’s rare to find such genuine warmth in the world.”
The ambassador also praised the Arab News Japanese edition, a key initiative fostering closer ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
He acknowledged the publication’s vital role in promoting mutual understanding, enabling Japanese readers to appreciate the breadth and depth of Saudi Arabia’s transformation.
“Arab News Japan has allowed people back home to witness this journey of growth and ambition,” he said. “It has been instrumental in bridging our cultures and deepening the friendship between our nations.”
Reflecting on his years in Saudi Arabia, he expressed admiration for the rapid advancements in technology, infrastructure and economic diversification under Vision 2030.
From newly developed hotels and infrastructure projects to the ease of new digital visa services, he noted the strides the Kingdom has made to attract international businesses and tourists alike.
“These developments show Saudi Arabia’s readiness to welcome the world,” he said.
The ambassador highlighted how Japan, with its experience and technological expertise, is well positioned to collaborate with Saudi Arabia on these fronts.
Yet beyond the visible changes, it is the people and their shared pride in tradition that left the most indelible mark on him. From experiencing the energy of Saudi cities to the tranquil beauty of its historical sites, the ambassador described his journey through the Kingdom as transformative on a personal level.
“It’s not just the landscapes or the cities,” he said, “but the people, their warmth, their traditions — these are the true treasures of Saudi Arabia.”
As he bid farewell, Iwai voiced optimism for a future of strengthened collaboration, particularly in fields such as energy, technology, and cultural exchange, where Japan’s expertise aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goals under Vision 2030.
He leaves with a sense of gratitude and hope, confident that the friendship between Saudi Arabia and Japan will continue to deepen.
Reflecting on his next chapter, the ambassador shared his excitement for his upcoming assignment in Egypt, a country he believes will offer new opportunities to deepen Japan’s ties in the region.
“Each country has its unique story and path, and I am grateful for the opportunity to carry forward the spirit of partnership I’ve cherished here in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“Saudi Arabia will always hold a special place in my heart,” he added, “for the incredible transformations I witnessed, but most of all, for the friendships and warmth of its people, who welcomed me like family.”
Saudi foreign minister meets with French president’s MENA advisor
- Discussions focused on the strong relations between their two nations and explored ways in which these could be further enhanced
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with the French president’s advisor for the Middle East and North Africa region, Anne-Claire Legendre, this week.
Discussions focused on the strong relations between their two nations and explored ways in which these could be further enhanced, reported Saudi Press Agency.
They also reviewed regional issues, with a particular focus on Gaza and Lebanon and ongoing efforts to address the issues there.
KSrelief chief, Palestinian education minister discuss university research partnership
- KSrelief implement sanitation project in Yemen’s Marib governorate
RIYADH: The advisor to the Royal Court and supervisor general of the Kingdom’s aid agency, KSrelief, met with the Palestinian education minister this week to discuss cooperation on educational projects and programs for schools and universities.
Dr Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and Amjad Barham also talked about ways in which research collaboration between Saudi and Palestinian higher education institutes could be enhanced, reported Saudi Press Agency.
The Palestinian minister also expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government for the Kingdom’s ongoing support for his people.
Meanwhile, KSrelief has implemented a project to improve sanitation services for internally displaced persons and the host community in Yemen’s Marib governorate, in partnership with the UN International Organization for Migration.
The project entails the construction of 200 new latrines and rehabilitation of 600 sewage pits and will directly benefit 47,598 individuals facing tough living conditions.
KSrelief delivers food and dates in Yemen, Chad
- This assistance is part of the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by Saudi Arabia, represented by KSrelief
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has been distributing food and dates to thousands of people in Yemen and Chad, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Volunteers distributed 3,000 cartons of dates to displaced people in Yemen’s Al-Jawf governorate, benefiting 18,000 individuals, the SPA reported on Wednesday.
In Chad this week, as a part of its Food Security Support Project, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food parcels in the Batha region, benefiting 7,200 vulnerable people.
Saudi Arabia’s aid arrives in northern Gaza to assist Palestinians
- Wednesday’s delivery of essential food and other supplies is a part of KSrelief’s ongoing campaign to provide support for Palestinians
RIYADH: Several trucks with aid, provided by Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian agency KSrelief, have arrived in the northern Gaza Strip via Jordan.
Wednesday’s delivery of essential food and other supplies is a part of KSrelief’s ongoing campaign to provide support for Palestinians, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The aid was scheduled to be distributed through the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, which serves as the executive partner of KSrelief in the area.
The campaign to assist Palestinians, initiated by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has raised over $186.3 million from over 2 million donors.
The northern Gaza Strip is currently facing severe challenges because of Israel’s ongoing war on the Palestinians, which includes the closure of border crossings.
