UK foreign secretary visits Saudi Arabia, Qatar to boost economic and security ties

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Liz Truss heads to Saudi Arabia and Qatar in a bid to boost economic and security ties. (File/AFP)
Short Url
Updated 31 December 2021
Follow

UK foreign secretary visits Saudi Arabia, Qatar to boost economic and security ties

  • Liz Truss says she wants closer trading and investment relationship with the Gulf
  • The foreign secretary sees both Saudi Arabia and Qatar as important partners in deepening the UK’s economic, technology and security and defense ties

LONDON: UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss began a trip to the Gulf region on Wednesday, aimed at boosting economic and security ties.
“I want a closer trading and investment relationship with the Gulf and for us to collaborate more closely on issues like intelligence sharing, development, security and defense,” Truss said.
The first leg of her tour begins in Saudi Arabia, where she will meet with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to “discuss closer cooperation on regional security, development, human rights and counter-terrorism, and how the two nations can build economic links as part of the Kingdom’s plan to diversify its economy,” Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.
Her trip includes a visit to Qatar, where she will meet with Emir Sheikh Tamim and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, to discuss cooperation on Afghanistan and regional security. She will also visit a facility housing people who have left Afghanistan in recent weeks.
“Qatar has played a critical role in supporting safe passage for those seeking to leave Afghanistan, including over 100 British nationals since the UK’s evacuation operation ended in late August,” the statement said, adding that the most recent flight arrived in Doha on Monday carrying 17 British nationals.
She will also launch a UK-Qatari strategic dialogue, which will form the basis for deeper bilateral cooperation on security, development, trade and investment.
“The foreign secretary sees both Saudi Arabia and Qatar as important partners in deepening the UK’s economic, technology and security and defense ties with friends and allies around the world,” the statement also said.
Following its exit from the European Union, the UK has began a free trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which will boost trade — already worth over £30 billion ($41.4 billion) — by creating new opportunities for UK exporters and closer two-way investment ties, the foreign office said.
“Closer security and economic ties with Gulf allies will help us deliver jobs and opportunities for people back in the UK and ensure as friends and partners that we are operating from a position of strength in the world,” Truss said.


KSrelief distributes cartons of dates in Jundiai, Brazil

Updated 02 March 2026
Follow

KSrelief distributes cartons of dates in Jundiai, Brazil

  • The center distributed 1,480 food baskets to the displaced and other vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, women, and the elderly, in Kassala State in Sudan, benefiting 10,360 individuals, representing 1,480 families

JUNDIAI: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has distributed 1,600 cartons of dates in Jundiai, Sao Paulo, Brazil, benefiting 200 families, including host community members, refugees, and immigrants. This initiative is part of a project to distribute 200 tonnes of dates in Brazil in 2026.

The center also distributed 1,504 cartons of dates to the most vulnerable families in Brazil’s Mogi das Cruzes, benefiting 188 families from the host community, refugees, and migrants, as part of a project to distribute 200 tonnes of dates in the Latin American country.

This initiative is part of the many relief and humanitarian projects provided by the Kingdom through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to support those affected by disasters worldwide.

Elsewhere, the center distributed 1,480 food baskets to the displaced and other vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, women, and the elderly, in Kassala State in Sudan, benefiting 10,360 individuals, representing 1,480 families.