London: The UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps has been heaping praise on Saudi Arabia.
At a Conservative Party conference in Manchester, he told delegates to “forget everything you think you know about know about Saudi Arabia,”
“The country is changing incredibly quickly in ways [you] would think have happened over a long time… but the societal changes – women in the workplace at levels that would have been unimaginable three or four years ago. All things you would expect anyway, but what you can’t underestimate is the impact that is having on their society and the way they govern.”
Some of the reforms the UK Minister has been referring to include allowing women to drive, opening movie theatres, co-educational classrooms, and all-night concerts in the desert – in which men and women dance together.
Despite criticism of Riyadh’s human rights record, the UK has been keen to build closer ties with Saudi Arabia, with the UK Defence Minister calling the Middle East nation a strong ally.
The UK has also been trying to secure a £5 billion sale of 48 Eurofighter Typhoons to Saudi Arabia. But, at the moment, this is being held up by Germany – also a manufacturer of the jet – over human rights concerns, which the UK Defence Minister disagrees with.
Shapps also told the conference, “Their society is moving very much in a way we have always called for societies worldwide to move”.
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Saudi Arabia and UK historic relations
Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom have maintained a robust and multifaceted relationship for decades, spanning various domains, including politics, economics, military, and culture.
The UK recognised the Kingdom of Hejaz in 1922 and established formal diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in 1932.
Oil discoveries in the 1930s in Saudi Arabia largely influenced ties with both nations. British entrepreneurs began playing a significant role in the oil sector.
Economic relations have historically centred around the oil industry, with the UK being a significant consumer of Saudi oil and Saudi Arabia benefiting from British expertise.
Trade activities have been substantial, with the UK exporting goods and services to Saudi Arabia, particularly in defence, healthcare, and education.
The UK has historically been a major supplier of arms to Saudi Arabia, including through the Al-Yamamah arms deal in the 1980s.
The two countries have often found themselves on the same side of regional conflicts, but there have been moments of disagreement.
Efforts have been made to enhance cultural understanding and educational collaborations.
However, human rights issues in Saudi Arabia and geopolitical differences have been disputed. But, overall, the UK and Saudi Arabia have maintained a cooperative relationship while balancing mutual interests and diplomatic navigations.
