Global Arab Network | Saudi, UK Discuss Libya, Bahrain and Yemen Unrest

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Saudi, UK Discuss Libya, Bahrain and Yemen Unrest

Global Arab Network - - Ammar Shikhani

Wednesday, 23 March 2011 18:34

UK_Foreign_Secretary_William_Hague_the_Saudi_Foreign_Minister_Saud_al_Faisal_in_London

British Prime Minister the David Cameron welcomed Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal to Downing Street on 22 March, for their first meeting since the Prime Minister took office.

Foreign Secretary the Rt Hon William Hague MP hosted Prince Saud for Lunch and bilateral talks. Events in the region were the focus of both meetings, particularly the situation in Libya.

Yesterday, Downing Street spokesman said:

"The Prime Minister met with Prince Saud, the Saudi Foreign Minister, this afternoon in Downing Street.

"The leaders welcomed the strength of the bilateral relationship between the UK and Saudi Arabia and agreed to establish a regular strategic dialogue.

"On Libya, the Prime Minister set out the action we were taking in support of implementation of UNSCR 1973. Prince Saud expressed strong support for the aims of UNSCR 1973 and the steps being taken by the international community to enforce it.

"They also discussed Bahrain. The Prime Minister made clear that we supported the process of political dialogue that the Bahraini Government was seeking to take forward and that we encouraged all parties to take part in it. The Prime Minister stressed that the Bahraini Government's approach to the situation needed to be based on the principle of reform to address the legitimate aspirations of the people of Bahrain."

Following UK Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Prince Saud, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, a Foreign Office spokesperson said:

"The Foreign Secretary William Hague met Prince Saud in London on Tuesday 22 March, 2011. They had a series of meetings in which the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the strength of the UK’s bilateral relationship with Saudi Arabia, a key strategic partner in the region."

"The Foreign Secretary and Prince Saud had a wide-ranging discussion of developments in the region, in particular in Libya, Bahrain and Yemen. They also discussed how both countries could further strengthen UK/Saudi bilateral relationship and strategic dialogue."

"On Libya Prince Saud underlined Saudi Arabia’s firm support for the implementation of UNSCR 1973 in order to protect Libyan civilians. Prince Saud said there would be further discussion within the Arab League of how Arab states would support implementation of this resolution, and the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the importance the UK places on working with Saudi Arabia and the Arab League on Libya."

"On Yemen, the UK and Saudi Arabia agreed that it is urgent all parties play a responsible role in bringing about political and economic reform, and take immediate action to defuse the tense situation and prevent further violence. Any process of reform must address the genuine demands of the Yemeni people and build a peaceful and secure future for the country."

"The Foreign Secretary and the Saudi Foreign Minister also had a constructive discussion on Bahrain. They agreed that both countries shared the same goal: a process of dialogue leading to political reform that can addresses the legitimate aspirations of all the people of Bahrain. The Crown Prince’s initiative for national dialogue offers an opportunity to achieve this, and the UK Government urges all parties to join without preconditions. The Government further urges all sides to take steps to de-escalate tensions in the country. The Foreign Secretary and Prince Saud agreed that the GCC forces, who are in Bahrain at the legitimate invitation of the Bahraini Government, should work to create the right conditions for the national dialogue."

"The UK will continue to work closely with Saudi Arabia across the range of issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme, the Middle East Peace Process and in Afghanistan, where the UK and Saudi Arabia want to work together to support any transition and reconciliation." (Press Statement)

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