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UK Seeks to Strengthen Cooperation with Saudi Arabia in Innovation, Technology, and Clean Energy

UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSHRC)
UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSHRC)
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UK Seeks to Strengthen Cooperation with Saudi Arabia in Innovation, Technology, and Clean Energy

UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSHRC)
UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSHRC)

A senior UK official has revealed London’s plan to deepen its partnership with Riyadh in the fields of innovation and technology, as well as clean energy and hydrogen technologies. He emphasized that the United Kingdom is working to establish a high-level partnership with Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to the Kingdom, UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle stressed that the UK wants “to continue to work closely with Saudi Arabia to bring together our science and tech expertise so we can ensure potentially game-changing innovations can benefit both our nations."

"The UK and Saudi Arabia are natural partners in these areas, with shared ambitions when it comes to both innovation and our strengths in science and technology. Right across the world, breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum, and engineering biology are starting to transform our economies and societies," noted Kyle.

He also revealed: "With Saudi Arabia we of course laid the foundation for that work through our joint energy partnership, launched in January 2022 and further strengthened during the Prime Minister’s visit to Riyadh in December. We have made becoming a clean energy superpower one of our key government missions, and the growing demand for clean energy is a massive shared opportunity—for growth, for green jobs, and for enhanced energy security.

He pointed out: "By further building the commercial and investment ties between our two countries, we can drive research and innovation and build the skills we need to continue the net-zero transition—benefitting us all."

A Sustainable Partnership in New Technologies

Kyle stated that during his short visit, "I have had the enormous privilege to visit King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center– where the first robotic heart transplant was successfully carried out in January this year – and where I was able to meet those medics responsible and even try out the technology myself. I was also able to visit King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and The Garage and see for myself the incredible energy of the start up ecosystem in the Kingdom and hear about how companies are learning from each other."

The British minister noted that these technologies will "unlock improvements in our health, lead to cleaner and more sustainable ways of getting the energy we need, and will spark economic growth that everyone feels the benefit of."

Seizing Opportunities

Kyle said that "Saudi Arabia, and indeed countries right across the Gulf, have incredible aspirations for the development of their economies and societies and are fully aware of the role of science and technology in helping to realize those aspirations."

He continued: "Thanks to emerging technologies like AI, quantum, and engineering biology, the world stands on the cusp of a Fourth Industrial Revolution. We in the UK are moving fast to harness these opportunities, and have kick started 2025 with a call to action so we can build partnerships with companies all over the globe."

"Whether that’s helping us to deliver AI Growth Zones as set out in our new blueprint for AI, or kick starting a fund of up to £520 million to encourage life sciences manufacturing, the message I’m delivering to nations across the Gulf this week is that Britain is open for business," he stressed.

The Future of Clean Energy Cooperation

According to Kyle, “Cooperation around clean energy is a key and growing part of our relationships with Gulf partners, including Saudi Arabia. We work increasingly closely across a range of clean energy technologies including hydrogen, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), energy efficiency, and on how digital technologies can be used to make energy generation cleaner."

He added: "It has been a privilege to meet with members of the Saudi government today and I'm going to be speaking with nations across the Gulf this week. The message I’m sending out is clear: the opportunities of partnering with the UK are huge and the opportunities we have to learn from the Gulf states are just as great. "

He continued: "Whether that’s through accelerating the transition to net-zero, harnessing the impact of AI for everyone’s benefit, or realizing new advances in healthcare and life sciences - these all represent once-in-a-generation opportunities."

Kyle affirmed that "the UK has the chance to lead the world in these sectors, and I’m very excited by the potential of working alongside countries like Saudi Arabia who match that ambition."

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Al-Hadi Idris to Asharq Al-Awsat: The Parallel Government Aims to Prevent Sudan’s Fragmentation

Al-Hadi Idris, former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Al-Hadi Idris, former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council (Asharq Al-Awsat).
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Al-Hadi Idris to Asharq Al-Awsat: The Parallel Government Aims to Prevent Sudan’s Fragmentation

Al-Hadi Idris, former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Al-Hadi Idris, former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council (Asharq Al-Awsat).

As Sudan grapples with ongoing turmoil following the outbreak of war in April 2023, the establishment of a “parallel government” in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has sparked widespread concern. Domestically, regionally, and internationally, fears are mounting over Sudan’s future, the risk of further division, and the threat of another partition. However, supporters of this initiative—who recently signed a new constitution and a governance roadmap—view it as a major opportunity to build a new Sudan founded on freedom, democracy, and justice, preventing the country from descending into chaos and fragmentation.

A Government for Peace and Unity

The new administration, known as the “Government of Peace and Unity,” aims to rebuild the state on principles of justice and equality while ensuring essential services for all Sudanese citizens—not just those in RSF-controlled areas. Its proponents have sought to reassure both Sudanese citizens and neighboring countries that their objective is to preserve Sudan’s unity.

Emerging at a critical juncture, this initiative presents itself as an alternative to the military-backed government based in Port Sudan, which serves as Sudan’s temporary capital. The parallel government hopes to earn the trust of Sudanese citizens and secure international support by demonstrating a serious commitment to ending the war and reconstructing the state on democratic, secular, and decentralized foundations.

Will this government succeed in bringing about the desired peace, or will the challenges it faces prove insurmountable? Asharq Al-Awsat spoke with Dr. Al-Hadi Idris, a key leader in the “Tasis” coalition behind the formation of the parallel government.

Why Form a Parallel Government?

Idris, a former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council during the transitional government led by Dr. Abdalla Hamdok, emphasized that their goal is to establish a “government of peace and unity.”

“As a political and military force, we have always been committed to resolving Sudan’s crisis, which erupted on April 15, 2023, through peaceful means,” Idris explained. “We have made extensive efforts to push those supporting the war toward dialogue and engagement with peace initiatives, including those in Jeddah, Manama, and Geneva. However, the army and the de facto authorities in Port Sudan have refused to negotiate. This left us with no choice but to explore more effective ways to bring the warring parties to the table and stop the conflict. The formation of a parallel government is a step toward fulfilling our responsibilities to the many people who have been neglected and left without adequate care.”

Why Is the Army Refusing Dialogue?

Idris, who also leads the Revolutionary Front—a coalition of armed movements from Darfur and political groups outside the region, such as the Beja Congress led by Osama Saeed and the Kush Movement from northern Sudan—claims that the military’s reluctance to negotiate stems from external influences.

“We understand why the army refuses to come to the negotiating table,” he said. “It is under the control of the Islamic movement and remnants of the former regime, who fear that any political process will remove them from power and diminish their influence. They are keen on prolonging the war despite the devastation, suffering, and displacement it causes to civilians.”

Accusations of Division Policies

Idris accused Sudan’s military leaders of implementing measures that risk deepening the country’s divisions. These include issuing a new currency exclusive to areas under their control, restricting access to education in certain regions, and selectively issuing travel and identity documents.

“Such actions could lead to the country’s partition, which we completely oppose,” he stressed.

A Government for All Sudanese

Idris rejected claims that the new government is tied solely to Darfur or the RSF.

“Our government is not for Darfur alone, nor for the RSF or any single region,” he said. “It represents all of Sudan—from north to south, east to west. We have drafted a constitution that guarantees equal rights for all, signed by individuals and entities from across the country. The new government will be responsible for rebuilding the state and delivering essential services, including education, healthcare, and security.”

Local and Regional Concerns

Despite strong opposition to a parallel government from neighboring states, as well as international and regional organizations—including the United Nations and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development)—Idris remains confident that these concerns will dissipate once the government takes shape.

“People have a right to be worried,” he admitted. “But once they see our government in action, they will understand that we stand for unity, peace, and stability—not the opposite.”

International Recognition: A Secondary Concern

Idris dismissed concerns over whether the new government would gain international recognition.

“This is not something that worries us,” he said. “We have already engaged with countries like Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Chad, where we have encountered sympathy for our cause. These nations have a vested interest in Sudan’s stability. In Uganda, we were received by President Yoweri Museveni himself, and in Kenya, President William Ruto welcomed us with open arms.”

The Failure of the Old State Model

According to Idris, Sudan’s traditional state structure has failed and is no longer viable.

“The world is changing around us,” he observed. “Lebanon has entered a new era, and Syria has moved past its oppressive old regime. The old political systems have no future. Since Sudan’s independence in 1956, no government has succeeded in establishing a stable, unified national state. Our history is marked by conflict and instability. That is why, during our meetings in Nairobi, we emphasized the need for a democratic, secular, and decentralized state that protects the rights of all citizens, regardless of their regional or ethnic background.”

A Role for the US in Ending the War

Idris believes the United States can play a decisive role in resolving the Sudanese conflict.

“Washington was heavily involved from the beginning of the war in 2023,” he said. “President Joe Biden’s administration made significant efforts to help Sudan, though it was unable to stop the war. We hope that the new US administration under Donald Trump will take a more effective approach, using a mix of incentives and pressure on all parties to achieve peace. We are open to working with anyone who can help resolve the crisis. Our government is a government of peace, and we are ready to engage with all stakeholders.”

Protecting Civilians from Airstrikes

Idris stressed that any legitimate government must prioritize civilian protection.

“A government that does not protect its citizens has no value,” he asserted. “We will appoint a defense minister whose primary mission will be to develop defensive strategies aimed at safeguarding civilians by all possible means. Additionally, we are working to establish the nucleus of a new national army, drawing from our allied forces, including the RSF, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Transitional Council, and other armed factions. A unified Joint Chiefs of Staff will be formed, and after the war ends, this force will serve as the foundation for a restructured national army dedicated solely to border protection and internal security—completely detached from politics.”

“There will no longer be two separate armies,” Idris declared. “There will be one unified military.”

Currency and Travel Documents

Idris confirmed that the new government will introduce its own currency, passports, and travel documents.

“The currency issue was a major factor in our decision to establish this government,” he said. “In many parts of Sudan, people rely on bartering because the Port Sudan government has drained cash supplies from areas outside its control. As a result, goods like salt, sugar, and wheat are traded in lieu of money. In some regions, cash is virtually nonexistent, making daily life incredibly difficult.”

When Will the New Government Be Announced?

Idris revealed that intensive consultations are underway to finalize the launch date.

“We expect to announce the new government within a month, from inside Sudan,” he said. “We have several options for where the announcement will take place, and we will reveal the location in the coming days.”

Participation in Future Negotiations

As for potential peace talks, Idris made it clear: “We are open to any serious and responsible initiative—whether local, regional, or international—but we will only engage in negotiations as the legitimate government of Sudan, a government of peace.”