RIYADH: The Saudi minister of commerce, Majid Al-Qasabi, is leading the preparations for upcoming Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council meetings in London.

The preparatory sessions included discussions about cooperative initiatives in various sectors, including trade, investment, education, healthcare, energy, industry, culture and sports, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday

Al-Qasabi and the Saudi ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, held talks with several British officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch, Investment Minister Dominic Johnson, and the adviser to the British prime minister for business and investment, Frank Petitgas. They also met James Emmett, chief operating officer of the UK Infrastructure Bank, and Mark Jones, director of the British Museum.

The discussions included possible ways to bolster the economic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the UK by focusing on priority sectors, implementing agreed initiatives, and exploring new business and investment opportunities. They also included ways in which British companies might be encouraged to expand their operations in the Kingdom to take advantage of the opportunities there.

Al-Qasabi was also due to meet Nusrat Ghani, the minister of state for industry and economic security, to explore ways to enhance supply chain flexibility, utilize artificial intelligence in economic endeavors, and share expertise in joint projects to mine rare metals.

In addition he will discuss with Minister of State for Schools Damian Hinds opportunities for the development of educational and training initiatives.