UK PM Keir Starmer Embarks on First Gulf Visit, Aims to Strengthen Economic, Defence Ties With UAE, Saudi Arabia

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to begin a multi-day visit to the Gulf region on Sunday, marking his first trip there since taking office in July. The visit aims to enhance economic, defence, and security ties with key partners, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. 

Starmer will arrive in the UAE on Sunday, holding talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday. Later that day, he will travel to Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions are expected to prioritise investment opportunities and regional stability, including a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, the release of hostages, and the acceleration of humanitarian aid to Gaza. 

“There is huge untapped potential in this region,” Starmer stated, expressing his goal to attract Gulf investment to modernise Britain’s infrastructure and advance clean energy initiatives. He also highlighted the importance of progress on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement, which could boost bilateral trade by 16% and potentially add £8.6 billion annually in the long term. 

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are already significant investors in the UK, with trade valued at £23 billion and £17 billion, respectively. British trade ministers visited the Gulf in September to advance free trade negotiations with the GCC, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. 

Following his Gulf visit, Starmer will travel to Cyprus on Tuesday for a historic meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides. This marks the first bilateral visit by a British Prime Minister to the Commonwealth nation in over 50 years, focusing on closer collaboration regarding shared security challenges in the region.

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