Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday. An official reception ceremony was held at the palace for the visiting British leader.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Starmer held extensive official talks. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between the Kingdom and Britain as well as joint coordination efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. They discussed opportunities to invest in potential resources in both countries, in a way achieving common interests. The latest regional and international developments were also figured in their talks. The leaders also discussed issues of common interest and the efforts made towards addressing them.

At the outset of the meeting, the Crown Prince welcomed the British prime minister and his accompanying delegation to the Kingdom and wished them a pleasant stay. On his part, Starmer expressed his thanks and appreciation for the hospitality and warm reception accorded to him and the accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by several ministers of Saudi Arabia and high ranking officials of Britain.

During the visit, the discussions of Starmer with the Saudi leaders are expected to focus on advancing a potential free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as to strengthening defense and security partnerships, and encouraging increased Saudi investment in the UK. In conjunction with the official visit of Starmer to Saudi Arabia, his office revealed that the launch of the first new project for a graphene-enriched carbon fiber factory in Saudi Arabia will boost jobs in northern England.

Earlier, upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport, Starmer was received by Deputy Emir of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, Mayor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton and other officials.

Starmer arrived in the Kingdom after his official visit to the United Arab Emirates. In Abu Dhabi, Starmer held wide ranging talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

“This region holds immense untapped potential,” Starmer said ahead of his visit. “I am here to accelerate progress on the GCC Free Trade Agreement, deepen research and development collaboration, and partner on future-focused projects in areas such as artificial intelligence and defense,” he said.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are already major investors in the UK, and Starmer’s trip seeks to further deepen these ties, particularly in innovation and technology.