UK: Two-State Solution a Shared, Irreversible Principle with Saudi Arabia

British Minister of State for the Middle East Lord Tariq Ahmad (Asharq Al-Awsat)
British Minister of State for the Middle East Lord Tariq Ahmad (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UK: Two-State Solution a Shared, Irreversible Principle with Saudi Arabia

British Minister of State for the Middle East Lord Tariq Ahmad (Asharq Al-Awsat)
British Minister of State for the Middle East Lord Tariq Ahmad (Asharq Al-Awsat)

British Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord Tariq Ahmad, called the two-state solution a “shared principle” for both the UK and Saudi Arabia, and insisted it is an “irreversible path.”
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Lord Ahmad stated that during the ongoing crisis in Israel and Palestine and the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza, both the UK and Saudi Arabia are focused on addressing this issue.
The minister noted that it is one of many areas where the two Kingdoms are working together.
He also mentioned other important regional issues, noting the strong partnership between the UK and Saudi Arabia.
Lord Ahmad also revealed that the two Kingdoms are collaborating on various global challenges like climate change, global financing, reconstruction, and conflict resolution.
The minister emphasized that the Saudi-British partnership is built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. He highlighted the collaborative efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
He spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat at the British Foreign Office at a time when a large British delegation, comprising over 400 senior government officials and top executives from major companies, arrived in Saudi Arabia.
They were there to participate in the “GREAT FUTURES” initiative conference, created by the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Numerous announcements and investments totaling billions of pounds were made at the gathering. Lord Ahmad, reflecting on his 20-year career as a banker in London, emphasized the substantial investments made by Saudi companies in the UK capital markets, highlighting the significance of their relationship.
Sunak, addressing conference attendees through video, noted that trade between the two countries surpasses $21 billion.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, speaking at the forum’s launch, expressed a desire for more than just supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030; he expressed a wish to actively participate in it.
Saudi Trade Minister Majid Al-Qasabi also pointed out the promising economic prospects in Saudi Arabia and the extensive collaboration between the two Kingdoms.
He mentioned that while the UK ranks as the world’s second-largest services exporter, Saudi Arabia is focused on economic diversification and holds substantial potential.



King Abdulaziz Foundation Organizes ‘Saudi-Chinese Relations’ Seminar in Beijing

The King Abdulaziz Foundation participates in the Beijing International Book Fair 2024. (SPA)
The King Abdulaziz Foundation participates in the Beijing International Book Fair 2024. (SPA)
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King Abdulaziz Foundation Organizes ‘Saudi-Chinese Relations’ Seminar in Beijing

The King Abdulaziz Foundation participates in the Beijing International Book Fair 2024. (SPA)
The King Abdulaziz Foundation participates in the Beijing International Book Fair 2024. (SPA)

The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), in cooperation with the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, held in Beijing a scientific seminar on cultural and economic relations between Saudi Arabia and China, the Saudi Press Agency said Sunday.
The seminar, which was part of the Beijing International Book Fair, covered several topics, including maritime trade between the two countries and their cultural and economic impacts, the role of Chinese libraries in caring for Arabic manuscripts and preserving Arab heritage, and Arab heritage in China.
The Kingdom was the guest of honor at the Book Fair that was held between June 19 and 23.
The strategic partnership between the two nations has been boosted in the 21st century by the numerous agreements of cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, and investment.
Both countries took part in activities that promote global trade, including in joint projects that aimed to develop ports, railways, and industrial zones.
Cultural exchanges and academic programs have contributed to increasing the understanding between the two peoples, and the Saudi Vision 2030 has increased the scope of economic cooperation with China in areas like technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.
China has established digital and public libraries containing Arabic books and manuscripts. Numerous universities in China teach the Arabic language.