The Financial Times reported on Friday that the British government had invited Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit London to “deepen relations and attract investment from the Gulf states.”
The newspaper indicated that the visit is expected in October or November next year, but the schedule has yet to be determined, quoting one of the people who was briefed on the trip that “this will be the last sign that Western countries welcome the visit of Prince Mohammed.” return to the context 5 years after the murder of a journalist”. Jamal Khashoggi.
A British official confirmed that the UK government had extended an invitation to the crown prince, but said the exact logistics had yet to be agreed.
Asked what would determine the timing of the visit, a British government spokesman said: “It’s up to them, given that we need them more than they need us.”
According to the newspaper, the United Kingdom has “over the past few years sought to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia despite concerns about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia, while the UK has been seeking investment in the Persian Gulf following the UK’s exit from the European Union.” Union”.
Source: Financial Times.