The UK and Gulf States are partnering to fight the coronavirus and save lives, Middle Eastern Minister James Cleverly said after a visit to the region.
During his three-day stopover in Qatar and Oman, the Minister defended the UK’s strong and historic ties between the respective governments, as well as his leadership in preventing the spread of the deadly disease. Trade for Oman, the Minister outlined the UK’s wonderful ambition to expand our industry and investments with the Gulf, and our third EU outdoor trading spouse.
In an assembly with His Excellency Soltan bin Saad Soltan Al-Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, the Minister thanked Qatar for its assistance in the repatriation of British citizens due to the pandemic.
In Qatar, he also visited the City of Education Stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, providing the complete UK to ensure a safe tournament for fans around the world.
Middle Eastern Minister James Cleverly said:
The UK and Gulf partner to prevent coronavirus and save lives, demonstrating our most powerful ties between the UK and the Gulf.
During my stopover in Oman and Qatar, I saw the true strength of bilateral relations between our major countries, from security cooperation to strengthening our ties with industry and sharing our unique experience in progression, our ties help our mutual prosperity.
In Muscat, Minister Cleverly met with the representative of the Houthis, Mohammed Abdul Salam, who suggested that the Houthis constructively paint with the UN special envoy in Yemen, Martin Griffiths, and settle for their peace proposals to end the confrontation and alleviate the suffering of those in need.
He also expressed fear about restrictions in Houthi-controlled northern regions, which prevent aid from reaching millions of the poorest people, and called for safe, immediate and unhindered help for staff and supplies, especially given the threat of famine this year.
The Minister also met with His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, to discuss new regional routes to the UK, which are helping to bring economic expansion to life in the UK beyond London.