James Cleverly, the foreign secretary of the United Kingdom, travelled to Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan on a three-day trip that he described as “mutually beneficial” and highlighted the UK’s expanding engagement with the area. This tour has highlighted the growing cooperation between the UK and the Middle East, which will support global trade between the two regions’ economies.
The visit comes after the UK government recently introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization visa program, which would make travel to the UK more affordable and accessible for citizens of Jordan and Gulf countries.
As a result of the visit, it becomes easier for the UK to recognize Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan as crucial allies in the fields of energy, defence, and security. This also has the potential to improve the economic and security conditions in the UK and the Gulf area. The UK, Qatar, and Kuwait trade were worth £18.1 billion last year alone.
The UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly remarked that being back in the Middle East makes him very happy. The UK has strong, mutually beneficial ties with Jordan and the Gulf. Together, they have a promising future. He is pleased with how they are cooperating for everyone’s benefit, whether it be working together on common objectives like fostering stronger economic and security relations. Additionally, the UK is still dedicated to helping refugees and host communities, working with their allies to support the most vulnerable people in the area.
On Tuesday, James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, and his entourage met with HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
The meeting covered a variety of topics, including the importance of the international community’s support for the fraternal Afghan people, the latest regional developments, the Iranian nuclear agreement, and the preparations for the upcoming strategic dialogue. He said that Qatar’s achievement in hosting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 will positively affect the country’s economy. He also commended Qatar’s foreign policy, adaptability, and credibility toward all parties. His Excellency reaffirmed the interest of the United Kingdom in a free trade agreement with the Gulf states and the future development of trade links between the two sides.
His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait, and James Cleverly, the UK Foreign Secretary, met on Wednesday. The ministers lauded the depth of the two nations’ historical ties. The two parties also discussed the newest political, regional, and international developments.
On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi of Jordan received James Cleverly, the UK Foreign Secretary. The two also spoke on a variety of regional and global issues, chief among them the Palestinian struggle, as well as measures to improve the “strong, historical” links between the two kingdoms. He also met with representatives from the World Food Program and UNHCR, the UN organization for refugees, and he promised financing of £30 million over three years to provide support and cash aid to the refugees.
