KSA Delays Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Visit to London
According to “Financial Times,” Saudi Arabia delayed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to London, as per RT Arabic. This happened shortly before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Riyadh visit.
British and Saudi officials have been discussing this visit for months. The initially planned date was December,3. It was postponed last week.
Diplomatic Implications
Conservative MPs said that the proximity of the Crown Prince’s UK visit and Putin’s Riyadh trip question the strength of UK-Saudi relations.
Saudi Officials’ Response
Saudi officials said that scheduling issues has long complicated the royal family’s plans to visit UK visit this year. They denied any link between the delay and welcoming Putin in Riyadh, added Financial Times.
Khalid bin Bandar, the Saudi Ambassador to London told Financial Times that anyone who sees the British-Saudi relations will understand that there is not neglect.
MP’s Concerns on Delay of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to London
Conservative MP Robert Courts voiced concerns over the delay. He explained that the delay points to UK diplomatic failure against Putin’s coordinated diplomatic assault.
David Lammy, the Shadow Secretary of State, suggested that what happened regarding Crown Prince’s visit to London is a sign that UK’s global influence is declining under PM Rishi Sunak’s leadership.
UK Foreign Office Statement
The UK Foreign Office stated that Great Britain cannot comment on other countries’ diplomatic commitments. It highlighted the ongoing cooperation with Saudi Arabia in various fields.
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