Saudi Arabia set to become world's top tourism destination: Boris Johnson
Saudi Arabia saw real and rapid development over the past years, positioning it to become the world's leading destination for tourism, UK's former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.
Speaking at the Saudi Media Forum 2025, he said the world should learn from Saudi Arabia's experience, adding that the Kingdom is on the right track.
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Asharq Al-Awsat
19-05-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
The UK and the EU are to Seal New Deals and Renew Ties 5 Years after Brexit
The United Kingdom and the European Union are expected to seal new deals on fishing rights and defense as officials meet in London on Monday to discuss closer ties in their first official summit since Brexit. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is to hold talks with EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. British media reported Monday that officials were set to announce an agreement on fishing access for EU boats in UK waters, as well as details on a defense and security partnership. There is hope that the agreements could improve the British economy, which has been hit by a drop in EU trade caused by increased costs and red tape after the United Kingdom left the bloc in 2020, The Associated Press said. Resetting relations Since becoming prime minister in July, Starmer has sought to reset relations with the EU, following years of tensions in the wake of the UK's Brexit referendum on June 23, 2016. Post-Brexit relations have been governed by a trade agreement negotiated by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Starmer thinks that can be improved in a way that boosts trade and bolsters security. Starmer said Sunday that there would be a deal, without providing details, following trade agreements that the UK struck in recent weeks with India and the United States. 'Tomorrow, we take another step forwards, with yet more benefits for the United Kingdom as the result of a strengthened partnership with the European Union," he said. 'It will be good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders.' Seeking a better deal Since the Labor Party returned to power after 14 years of Conservative government, a period that was largely marked by the time leading up to the Brexit vote and its aftermath, both sides have sought to improve relations. That's been most evident in the more coordinated response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the wake of a change of approach by Washington following the return of US President Donald Trump. Starmer, who campaigned for the UK to remain within the EU in the referendum and subsequently sought a second vote, has said that he wants a better deal with the 27-nation bloc that will smooth trade between the two sides and bolster security cooperation, including on defense procurement. Non-tariff barriers Though no tariffs are slapped on the export of goods between both sides, an array of non-tariff barriers, including more onerous border checks and laborious paperwork, have made trade more difficult. Post-Brexit visa restrictions have also hobbled the cross-border activities of service professionals, such as bankers or lawyers, as well as cultural exchanges, including touring bands and school trips. Before the summit — the first in what are planned to be annual events — Starmer said that good progress had been made in negotiations, while insisting that the UK won't breach his red lines. In its election manifesto last year, Labor said that it wouldn't rejoin the EU's frictionless single market and customs union, nor agree to the free movement of people between the UK and the EU. Security, defense and youth mobility Talks on strengthening ties have focused largely on security and defense, and on a youth mobility plan that would allow young Britons and Europeans to live and work temporarily in each other's territory. That remains a politically touchy issue in the UK, seen by some Brexiteers as inching back towards free movement — though the UK already has youth mobility arrangements with countries including Australia and Canada. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who is leading negotiations, said that talks with the EU were going down 'to the wire.' The issue of fishing The summit is expected to lead to more intense discussions on an array of issues, including aligning standards on the sale of agricultural products that could eliminate costly checks on food products exported across the English Channel, closer energy ties and a new fishing pact. While he wouldn't provide details, Thomas-Symonds said that he was confident that trade could be improved for food imports and exports. 'We know we've had lorries waiting for 16 hours, fresh food in the back not able to be exported, because frankly it's just going off, red tape, all the certifications that are required, we absolutely want to reduce that,' he told the BBC. Disagreements reportedly remain over fishing, an economically minor but symbolically large issue for the UK and EU member states such as France. Disputes over the issue nearly derailed a Brexit deal back in 2020. Starmer's plummeting popularity Some of the trade-offs may prove difficult, especially for Starmer, whose popularity has plummeted in recent months. Earlier this month, the anti-immigration and pro-Brexit Reform UK won big in local elections. Starmer knows that he will face likely accusations of 'betraying Brexit,' whatever the outcome of the talks. The ever-unpredictable Trump, who has backed Brexit, could also be a potential headache for Starmer. 'The reset could still be blown off course by disagreements over how to consolidate existing areas of cooperation like fisheries and/or external factors, such as a negative reaction from the US to the UK seeking closer ties with the EU,' said Jannike Wachowiak, research associate at the UK in a Changing Europe think tank.
Arab News
10-04-2025
- Arab News
Boris Johnson gets a surprise peck from an ostrich in Texas
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson received a memorable welcome from an ostrich at a state park in Texas when the towering two-legged bird gave him a peck, according to a video Sunday. In the video, posted by his wife Carrie Johnson, an ostrich slowly walks toward a car before poking its head through the driver's seat window where Johnson is sitting with his son on his lap. Once in front of Johnson, the bird quickly pecks its beak toward his hand. 'Oh, Christ,' Johnson yells before driving off in the video. 'Too funny not to share,' Carrie Johnson said in the caption on Instagram. It is not clear which wildlife park they were visiting, but other posts on the same account show the family visiting Dinosaur Valley Park, about 80 miles (128 kilometers) southwest of Dallas. Boris Johnson, who served as prime minister from 2019 to 2022, was also spotted with his wife at a local restaurant in Lake Granbury, Texas, on Sunday, according to the restaurant's Facebook page. 'We are so honored to have him as our guest!!' said Stumpy's Lakeside Grill in a Facebook post with a photo of the former prime minister.
Arab News
25-02-2025
- Arab News
Pakistani minister meets SRMG CEO, discusses media collaboration, digital innovation opportunities
ISLAMABAD: The Saudi Research and Media Group, the largest integrated media house in the Middle East and North Africa, hosted Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar at its headquarters in Riyadh 'to explore opportunities for media collaboration, content development and digital innovation,' the group said in a statement on Tuesday. The meeting took place as Tarar was in Riyadh last week to attend the Saudi Media Forum 2025 from Feb. 19-21, which brought together over 200 global media professionals, innovators and thought leaders. 'The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships and expanding content offerings to better serve audiences across both markets,' SRMG said in a statement after Tarar met the group's CEO, Jomana R. Alrashid. The two leaders discussed the 'positive impact of SRMG's Pakistan based platforms, including Independent Urdu and Urdu News, as well as the English-language publication Arab News Pakistan, in delivering high quality content that informs and connects.' 'By providing accurate, credible reporting and raising awareness of key social issues, these publications foster meaningful connections between people, promote cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen ties with audiences in Pakistan and beyond,' the statement added. While speaking at the Saudi Media Forum, Tarar had acknowledged SRMG's 'positive impact' in Pakistan. 'With regard to SRMG, we have Urdu News, we have Arab News and we have Independent Urdu, which are doing a great job,' he said during a panel discussion last Thursday. 'And [this is] not only [as] digital platforms, but overall, they have a very positive impact on our society with regard to raising awareness on social issues, with regard to bringing news to the people.' During the Riyadh visit, Tarar and his Saudi counterpart Salman Al-Dossary also announced a joint committee to co-produce songs, films and documentaries. In recent years, Pakistani dramas and films, including TV classics like 'Dhoop Kinare' and the highly acclaimed 'Humsafar,' have been dubbed in Arabic and broadcast in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close regional partners and economic and security allies. In October last year, the two countries signed 34 agreements worth $2.8 billion for investment projects in various sectors.
