The Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, is set to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) today in Riyadh, where he will engage in high-level talks with key regional partners in the Middle East to drive forward peace and prosperity in the region. This visit comes at a crucial time as the UK is urgently working with Saudi Arabia and other allies to deescalate wider regional stability and prevent further bloodshed.
The UK is known for being a dynamic, ambitious, and globally connected economy, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is actively working to highlight the UK as an attractive investment destination. With over 1,000 international investment projects coming to the UK each year, the Foreign Secretary will use his talks at the WEF to encourage more inward investment to the UK.
Riyadh hosting the WEF for the first time is a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia as it progresses towards Vision 2030, the country’s plan to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. The Foreign Secretary’s visit precedes a series of important meetings with Saudi Arabia, including the annual aid dialogue in May and the launch of the GREAT Futures campaign in Riyadh later in the month, which will showcase UK expertise and capability in sectors supporting Vision 2030.
One of the key topics of discussion during the talks will be the conflict in Gaza. The UK is collaborating with regional leaders to leverage their collective influence to secure an immediate humanitarian pause to facilitate aid delivery and hostage release, followed by efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire without a return to destruction and loss of life.
David Cameron emphasized the importance of pushing for UK security and prosperity during this critical time. He highlighted the significance of backing trade and investment projects that will create British jobs while addressing pressing security issues, including the situation in Israel and Gaza. The close ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia enable effective collaboration on addressing major challenges in the Middle East and globally.
This visit marks David Cameron’s eleventh trip to the Middle East since assuming the role of Foreign Secretary. He will be accompanied by FCDO Minister of State Lord Ahmad at the WEF, where over 700 leaders will convene to discuss key regional and global issues, ranging from conflict resolution to sustainable development and energy security.
The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to participate in a session on rejuvenating growth at the WEF, focusing on preventing the emergence of a fractured global economy and developing long-term plans for future growth, access to development finance, and energy in developing countries. The discussions at the WEF come at a critical juncture for the Middle East, offering a platform for leaders to collaborate on addressing pressing challenges and advancing peace and prosperity in the region.