LONDON: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth as he launched his landmark visit to the UK.
Saudi Arabia and Britain will use the visit build a broader economic relationship, and improve security and defense ties.
Prince Mohammed and his delegation met May and senior ministers at Downing Street to launch a UK-Saudi “Strategic Partnership Council.”
The initiative will encourage wide-ranging economic reforms in Saudi Arabia and foster cooperation on issues such as education and culture, as well as defense and security.
Earlier the crown prince had lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, a rare gesture usually reserved for heads of state. He was scheduled to dine with Prince Charles and Prince William later in the day.
May defended Britain’s defense and security ties with Saudi Arabia in parliament, saying close cooperation had helped save the lives of hundreds of people.
“The link that we have with Saudi Arabia is historic, it is an important one, and it has saved the lives of potentially hundreds of people in this country,” the prime minister said in response to a question from opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.
She said that the UK has had a “longstanding and historic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and that will continue.
Under the crown prince, Saudi Arabia “is reforming, is changing, is giving more rights to women,” May said, adding that the UK will “stand alongside” the Kingdom to deliver on his vision.
Foreign minister Boris Johnson led the welcoming party for Prince Mohammed on his arrival late on Tuesday.
For Britain, the visit is a chance to cement trading partnerships as it approaches Brexit and an exit from the European Union. It is also looking to play a key role exporting services to the Gulf’s largest economy as Saudi Arabia pushes through its ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy away from oil.
Britain is also hoping to land the stock market listing of Saudi Aramco, expected to be the world’s largest IPO.
“We would like the Aramco share option to be issued in the United Kingdom and we will continue to suggest the City would be the best place for it,” junior foreign office minister Alistair Burt told parliament.
Later this month Prince Mohammed will visit the United States, which also wants the lucrative listing.
The three-day UK visit is also expected to include a meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, as well as lunch with May at the prime minister’s rural retreat, Chequers, and talks with Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson.
Saudi crown prince meets Queen Elizabeth, Theresa May at start of UK visit
Saudi crown prince meets Queen Elizabeth, Theresa May at start of UK visit
Argentine officials praise Saudi Arabia’s tolerance message at Buenos Aires fair
- During her tour of the pavilion, Bosca expressed admiration for the diverse content presented, which reflects the true essence of Islam
- She added that this underscores Saudi Arabia’s noble message of promoting moderation, coexistence, and tolerance
RIYADH: Jorge Macri, chief of government of the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, praised the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ pavilion at the Buenos Aires International Book Fair as a unique model.
He noted that it effectively expresses Islamic identity through a modern design reflecting the cultural renaissance underway in the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
During his visit to the pavilion, Macri emphasized that the ministry’s participation strengthened Saudi Arabia’s position as the fair’s main guest of honor.
He added that the cultural and educational events and initiatives offered by the King Fahd Cultural Center enhance social ties between Argentina and the Kingdom.
Pilar Bosca, director general for religious affairs in Buenos Aires, also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s efforts in promoting the values of tolerance and moderation, describing the Kingdom as a global model in this regard.
During her tour of the pavilion, Bosca expressed admiration for the diverse content presented, which reflects the true essence of Islam.
She added that this underscores Saudi Arabia’s noble message of promoting moderation, coexistence, and tolerance through modern technology and interactive digital tools that engage all segments of society.
The ministry’s booth drew wide attendance from fair visitors, who appreciated the rich content blending accurate information with a modern approach, the SPA reported.
They praised the message conveyed by Saudi Arabia through the ministry in serving the Holy Qur’an and spreading the call to Islam with wisdom and good counsel.
The 49th annual Buenos Aires International Book Fair, organized by the Book Foundation in Argentina, is being held from April 22 to May 12.
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is the guest of honor, showcasing the Kingdom’s growing prominence in Latin America.
Riyadh’s pavilion aims to strengthen Saudi cultural presence in the region and present the capital as a cultural model reflecting the Kingdom’s transformation under Vision 2030.
The pavilion features diverse literary and cultural content, including Spanish-translated publications that help build cultural bridges.
The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission is leading Riyadh’s participation, joined by a Saudi cultural and literary delegation that includes representatives from the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
Also participating are the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, and King Fahd National Library.
Dhahran's Half Moon Bay revamp to boost tourism
JEDDAH: A major investment project to develop Half Moon Bay in Dhahran has been launched by the Eastern Province municipality.
The initiative, spanning 290,000 sq. meters, will include the construction of a yacht marina, maritime academy, a range of recreational and tourism facilities, and educational, sports, and marine activities.
It is also expected to significantly improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
One of the Kingdom’s most scenic beaches, Half Moon Bay stretches more than 700 km, making it the longest shoreline in the Gulf region. It is especially popular for grouper fishing, sailing and various marine sports and competitions.
Its name comes from its crescent-shaped coastline, a striking natural formation that adds to its distinctive charm. The area also hosts several resorts, enhancing its appeal as a tourist hotspot.
This project is part of the municipality’s broader strategy to strengthen the Eastern Province’s competitive advantages and unlock its full tourism potential.
It also supports ongoing efforts to attract investors and entrepreneurs across various sectors, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to boost private sector participation, diversify the economy and create job opportunities.
Saudi aid agency renovates health institute in Yemen
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has helped to restore and re-equip the Higher Institute of Health Sciences in Yemen’s Lahij governorate.
The project included repairing and restoring six main buildings, furnishing 10 classrooms, and renovating 36 student dormitories, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It also involved furnishing 38 bathrooms to ensure proper living conditions, and equipping four modern medical laboratories with advanced tools to help enhance health education.
KSrelief also provided the institute with more than 500 pieces of furniture and supplied the dormitories with an additional 414 items.
The agency delivered more than 800 medical devices across various departments — including nursing, surgery, reproductive health, and dentistry — in addition to five electronic devices to support teaching.
The project aims to improve the educational environment, provide better conditions for students and staff in Lahij, and serve students from neighboring governorates.
An estimated 1,850 people are direct beneficiaries, while the broader impact is expected to reach about 860,000 across Yemen, the SPA reported.
Saleh Al-Dhaibani, KSrelief’s office director in Aden, said the project seeks to strengthen the academic and professional capacities of health personnel by offering a conducive learning environment.
The initiative is part of a series of humanitarian projects by KSrelief to enhance Yemen’s education and health infrastructure, ultimately preparing skilled health professionals to meet the country’s needs.
Saudi Arabia invites leaders of GCC for Gulf-US summit in Riyadh
RIYADH: Saudi King Salman has extended invitations to leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to attend a Gulf-US summit in Riyadh, Al Arabiya News Channel reported Sunday.
The invitation comes as US President Donald Trump is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week.
Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election
- Saudi leadership congratulates Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new leader of the Catholic church
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has congratulated Pope Leo XIV on Sunday on his election as the new leader of the Catholic church.
The king and his crown prince have sent “congratulatory telegrams to Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his election as Pope of the Vatican,” read a statement on the Saudi Press Agency.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Leo XIV, was elected by the papal conclave on Thursday.
Pope Leo XIV gave his first Sunday blessing and address to a crowd in St Peter's Square in the Vatican today.
