UK’s MENA spokesman lauds smooth Saudi transition of power
JEDDAH: As Saudi Arabia named its new crown prince Wednesday, Britain’s spokesman to the Middle East and North Africa hailed the smooth transition of power.
“A sophisticated royal scene of the peaceful transfer of power in Saudi Arabia,” said Edwin Samuel in a series of tweets Thursday.
“We are also going through a political transition in Britain, it was amazing to see Saudi constitutional rules in practice.”
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 31, has been appointed crown prince, replacing Prince Mohammed bin Naif.
Thirty-one out of 34 members of the Kingdom’s Succession Committee chose Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince during a meeting at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah Wednesday.
The Saudi leadership “realized the importance of the historical transformation of the Kingdom’s youth,” said Samuel, adding that 75 percent of Saudis are under the age of 35.
“The Crown Prince is a symbol of the trust we put into achieving his modern/contemporary vision.”
Other young princes were also appointed to join the political system, some of whom assume leadership functions within the state. Others have been assigned to represent the Kingdom through diplomatic missions worldwide.
Samuel praised his country’s strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia as he delivered British diplomats’ welcome of the appointment of Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince.
Britain “looks forward to a young regional leadership that builds bridges across the divisions and regains unity” in the region, he said.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May congratulated the new crown prince, saying Saudi-British security and intelligence cooperation is vital against the shared threat of terrorism.
“Our growing trade and investment ties are important for the prosperity of all our citizens,” she added.
Britain remains a “firm supporter of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious reform agenda ‘Vision 2030’ which is essential for Saudi Arabia’s long-term stability and success,” May said.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also welcomed the appointment, saying: “The UK has a longstanding and close partnership with Saudi Arabia, which is enormously important for the security and prosperity of both our countries.”
Johnson, who met Prince Mohammed during his visit to the region last year, added: “Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with ambitious social and economic reforms, and the UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can. We look forward to working closely with Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Arabia to promote long-term stability in the Middle East.”