British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will undertake his first Gulf visit to strengthen ties with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, focusing on economic investment and defense collaboration, while addressing Middle Eastern stability issues such as the Israel-Gaza conflict; the visit is poised to enhance trade relations and advocate for a Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is embarking on a significant trip to the Gulf, his inaugural visit to the region since assuming office in July. Scheduled to begin on Sunday, Starmer aims to strengthen economic and defense ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. The UK government has identified these nations as crucial partners and is eager to bolster investments and enhance security collaborations, particularly at a time when stability in the Middle East remains a pressing concern.
Starmer will first engage in discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday, before traveling to Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later that day. The agenda is expected to focus on various regional issues, including achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected areas. Starmer has expressed optimism regarding the untapped potential in the Gulf region, viewing it as an avenue to secure vital investments that will aid in revitalizing Britain’s aging infrastructure and promoting a transition to cleaner energy sources.
Furthermore, Starmer intends to advocate for accelerated negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which comprises the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. The government estimates that such an agreement could increase bilateral trade by 16% and potentially inject an additional £8.6 billion into the UK economy annually. His upcoming visit to Cyprus to meet President Nikos Christodoulides will represent the first by a British leader in over 50 years, signaling a commitment to enhancing cooperation on shared security matters.
The United Kingdom recognizes the significance of its relationships with the Gulf monarchies, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which are characterized by substantial investments and robust trade exchanges. Trade between the UK and the UAE is valued at approximately £23 billion ($29.3 billion), whereas trade with Saudi Arabia amounts to around £17 billion. The UK is actively pursuing a Free Trade Agreement with the wider Gulf Cooperation Council, aiming to bolster economic ties amidst increasing global competition and a shifting geopolitical landscape. This visit comes at a critical time, as regional stability in the Middle East is under scrutiny, particularly regarding recent conflicts.
In summary, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s inaugural visit to the Gulf signifies a strategic move to fortify economic and defense relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. His agenda includes fostering investment for infrastructure projects and advocating for a Free Trade Agreement with the GCC. Furthermore, the visit underscores the UK’s commitment to addressing pressing regional issues, emphasizing the importance of stability and humanitarian efforts in the Middle East. Starmer’s engagements in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia highlight the potential for enhanced collaboration between these nations and the UK.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
