MAY DEFENDS SAUDI TIES, PRAISES BOLD REFORMS

The link that we have with Saudi Arabia is historic, it is an important one, and it has saved the lives of potentially hundreds of people in this country Theresa May, Prime Minister

london — Prime Minister The- resa May’s government on Wednesday defended Britain’s historic ties with Saudi Arabia and heaped praise on the ongoing reforms in the kingdom.

A fiery exchange in parliament between May and opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn underlined tension in Britain over Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s trip, which is aimed at building a broader economic partnership between the two countries.

May responded that her relationship with Prince Mohammed had already helped alleviate the humanitarian crisis by convincing him to ease Saudi blockades of ports in Yemen during a meeting in December. “This vindicates the engagement that we have with Saudi Arabia, to be able to sit down with them,” she said.

The debate took place as Prince Mohammed lunched with Queen Elizabeth on the first leg of trip packed with displays of diplomatic affection designed to help widen the long-standing defence ties into a more far-reaching partnership.

Both countries sense an opportunity to broaden their existing relationship: Britain is looking for trading partners as it exits the European Union, and Saudi Arabia needs to convince sceptical investors about its domestic reforms. —