SAUDI CROWN PRINCE VISITS A UK EAGER FOR PART IN VISION 2030

▶ Westminster up for co-operation on security, investment and education as diplomats tout the young royal’s ‘chemistry’ with senior UK leadership

Britain is ready to prioritise security, investment and education co-operation with Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will hear during his visit to London next week.

Prime Minister Theresa May said she would seek a leading role for Britain in Vision 2030, the prince’s blueprint for transforming Saudi Arabia’s society and economy.

The trip, from March 7 to March 9, was confirmed as part of a tour by the prince that will take in the United States and France.

The British government views Vision 2030 as a roadmap for Saudi Arabia to become an investment powerhouse with a diversified economy.

An official statement alluded to the stock market flotation of Saudi Aramco, the state oil enterprise, saying the prince would explore ways in which Saudi Arabia can, working with the City of London, “achieve this goal”.

“The partnership between the UK and Saudi Arabia already helps make both of our countries safer through intelligence-sharing, which has saved British lives, and more prosperous, with thousands of jobs created in the UK and substantial opportunities for British companies in Saudi Arabia,” Mrs May said.

“The visit of the crown prince will establish the platform for that relationship to become even stronger.

“Saudi Arabia is changing. We have seen recent decisions to allow women to drive from June this year, a target for women to make up one third of the Saudi workforce by 2030, and a move to develop sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism.

“These are all sectors where the UK leads the world and where there are new opportunities to work together.”

Prince Mohammed is expected to spend part of the visit at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, one of the main residences of Queen Elizabeth, reflecting on the long ties between the ruling dynasties of both countries.

There will be protests around the visit, particularly over the conflict in Yemen, with many members of the UK public concerned by the suffering and shortages in the country.

Mrs May said that the relationship between the nations was robust enough to allow British politicians to raise their concerns about developments in the Gulf directly.

“Our strong relationship enables us to talk frankly and constructively about issues where we both have concerns, such as regional security and the conflict and humanitarian situation in Yemen,” she said.

Officials said Mrs May discussed the scope of the visit with her cabinet yesterday, including the much-anticipated stock market listing of state oil company Saudi Aramco – potentially the biggest float in history.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson will accompany the prince for parts of his visit. Diplomats suggested the two men “hit it off” and their personal chemistry will be on display during the tour.

PM Theresa May hailed changes in Saudi Arabia and the opportunities that may be shared