This afternoon, Prime Minister Liz Truss made her first call to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman since assuming office.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Crown Prince for his personal assistance in last week’s release of five British captives held by Russia-backed troops in Eastern Ukraine, much to the relief of their families.
They reviewed the strategic alliance between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia in relation to a variety of subjects, such as defence and energy security cooperation. The leaders applauded the progress made in stopping the fighting in Yemen and agreed that it was essential to continue political discussion in order to prolong the ceasefire.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed her commitment to concluding a robust UK-GCC trade agreement and expanding bilateral trade and investment in sectors like as aviation and clean technology. She also vowed sustained support and encouragement for Saudi Arabia’s internal reforms from the United Kingdom.
The Crown Prince expressed his deepest condolences on the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, and the leaders looked forward to further strengthening the solid friendship that had been established throughout her reign.