BICOM

The Prime Minister has stressed the importance of the UK’s security and trade relations with Saudi Arabia during her visit to the kingdom, which continues today.

During her trip to the region, Theresa May said that the UK had “long-term and historic relationships” with Saudi Arabia and Jordan, who she described as being “important for us in terms of security… important for us in terms of defence and yes, in terms of trade… Gulf security is our security and Gulf prosperity is our prosperity”. She also said the UK is looking to use the “immense potential for Saudi investment to provide a boost to the British economy”.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet the King of Saudi Arabia later today as part of the second leg of her Middle East visit. Yesterday, Theresa May met Sarah al-Suhaimi, the head of the Saudi stock exchange, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the country’s interior minister and first in line to the throne.

In response to a question by the BBC’s deputy political editor John Pienaar regarding about her foreign policy doctrine, May said “that everything we do is in our British national interest”.

She said: “It’s in our British national interest to have good relations around the world so we can trade around the world – that brings jobs and prosperity to the UK. It’s also in our national interest to ensure we’re working with others around the world to maintain our safety and security.”

Several Sunni Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, have warmed their attitudes towards Israel in the face of the common threats, including the rise of ISIS and Iran’s bid for regional hegemony. Public meetings have taken place between senior former Saudi officials and Israeli politicians and officials over the past two years.

In recognition of this convergence of shared interests, a number of Israeli politicians from across the political spectrum have endorsed some form of regional framework for resuming negotiations with the Palestinians, in which Saudi Arabia could play a key role.