In a diplomatic move underscoring the deep historical ties between Riyadh and London, His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan Al Saud presented his credentials to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United Kingdom. The credentials ceremony took place in London, where His Royal Highness conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, to His Majesty King Charles III.
Through his official account on the “X” platform, His Highness expressed his honor on this occasion, saying: “I was honored to present my credentials as Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to His Majesty King Charles III, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. During the meeting, I conveyed to His Majesty the greetings of my master, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Minister - may God protect them both.”.
Historical context of established relations
This step comes to strengthen the long-standing and deep-rooted diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, which date back to the early 20th century. The foundations of this strategic partnership were formally laid through the Treaty of Jeddah in 1927, in which Britain recognized the full sovereignty of King Abdulaziz Al Saud over the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd and its dependencies. Since then, relations have developed to encompass close cooperation in numerous fields, ranging from energy and security to cultural and educational exchange, making it one of the most important international partnerships for both countries.
Strategic importance and expected impact
In the modern era, Saudi-British relations are gaining increasing importance, particularly in light of the economic and social transformations underway in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. The United Kingdom is considered a key partner in achieving the goals of this ambitious vision, with Riyadh seeking to attract British investment in emerging sectors such as technology, tourism, entertainment, and renewable energy. Security and intelligence cooperation is also a cornerstone of the relationship, as the two countries work together to address shared regional and international challenges, including combating terrorism and extremism and ensuring the stability of global energy markets.
Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan is expected to play a pivotal role in deepening this partnership during his tenure. His appointment to this high-level diplomatic post underscores the importance the Saudi leadership places on its relationship with London. The new ambassador's efforts are expected to focus on strengthening political dialogue at the highest levels, facilitating trade and investment between the two countries, and building bridges of cultural and academic exchange between the Saudi and British peoples, serving their shared interests and contributing to the stability and prosperity of both nations.
