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Arab News
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
‘Ambassador extraordinaire': well wishes pour in as Saudi envoy concludes tenure in London
RIYADH: As Prince Khalid bin Bandar concludes his role as Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK, his six-year tenure is being marked as a period of renewed engagement and modernization in Saudi-UK relations. As per Royal Decree issued last March, Prince Khalid has been appointed as an advisor at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is expected to head back to Riyadh in the next few days. Since his appointment in 2019, Prince Khalid has led efforts to strengthen ties and redefine the Kingdom's image across political, economic, academic and cultural spheres. His approach is marked by transparency, accessibility and strategic foresight as well as consistent outreach to both political institutions and the wider British public. In April this year, he was named Diplomat of the Year for the Middle East and North Africa by Diplomat Magazine, an award voted on by representatives of more than 180 missions in the UK. One of his final public engagements was an on-the-record panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abbas at the Frontline Club, hosted by the MENA-based think tank SRMG Think (videos above). Current British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton described Prince Khalid as 'an exemplary ambassador' and said: 'He tirelessly engaged the media, universities, and parliamentarians to explain Saudi views and illuminate the changes under Vision 2030. He will be much missed.' (Prince Khalid) tirelessly engaged the media, universities, and parliamentarians to explain Saudi views and illuminate the changes under Vision 2030. Neil Crompton British ambassador to Saudi Arabia Former UK ambassador to the Kingdom, Sir John Jenkins, said, 'Prince Khalid has been one of the best connected and most visible — and articulate — ambassadors in the whole of the London diplomatic corps … The Kingdom needs advocates like him, and we need friends like him.' Prince Khalid has been one of the best connected and most visible — and articulate — ambassadors in the whole of the London diplomatic corps. Sir John Jenkins Former UK ambassador to the Kingdom Among the hallmark initiatives of his tenure was the Great Futures event in Riyadh, a flagship moment for UK-Saudi engagement. The event brought together investors, policymakers, academics and creatives, fostering trade, education and public understanding of the Kingdom's transformation. Sir Ben Elliot, former chairman of the Conservative Party, commended Prince Khalid's diplomatic instinct: 'His unwavering dedication over six years has transformed the UK-Saudi relationship. The UK has now become the largest source of visitors to Saudi Arabia — a milestone he personally championed. He reshaped perceptions of the Kingdom with diplomacy, charm and grace.' The UK has now become the largest source of visitors to Saudi Arabia — a milestone he personally championed. Sir Ben Elliot Conservative Party, former chairman This vision of diplomacy extended beyond politics to academia and community engagement. Prince Khalid actively reached out to British Muslim communities, students and universities such as Oxford and Durham — not as formalities, but as forums for real dialogue and shared values. Othman Al-Omeir, veteran Saudi journalist and former editor of the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat, told Arab News: 'I have witnessed the tenure of seven Saudi ambassadors who served at the Saudi Embassy in London. In truth, Prince Khalid stands out for his profound and precise understanding of British society, and for the universal respect he commands due to his competence, capability and discernment. His presence was positive, effective and influential.' Prince Khalid stands out for his profound and precise understanding of British society, and for the universal respect he commands due to his competence, capability and discernment. Othman Al-Omeir Veteran Saudi journalist Dr. Najah Al-Osaimi, a trustee of the Saudi British Society, said: 'Prince Khalid changed the dynamic. For decades, relations were political and elite driven. He brought it to the people — through media, academia and civil society. His television appearances tackled complex issues with openness. 'I was fortunate to meet him many times, particularly through the Saudi British Society, where he is our patron alongside King Charles. Thanks to his support, we launched the annual Ghazi Al-Gosaibi Memorial Lecture. His efforts brought momentum to Saudi Arabia's presence in the UK's cultural, sports and economic landscape.' His efforts brought momentum to Saudi Arabia's presence in the UK's cultural, sports and economic landscape. Dr. Najah Al-Osaimi Saudi British Society trustee Prince Khalid prioritized public diplomacy, focusing on transparency and dialogue. One of his final appearances was at the Frontline Club in London last February— moderated by Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas — which offered a rare candid conversation about Saudi reform and regional diplomacy with British journalists and policy thinkers. Prince Khalid ensured Saudi voices were better represented in British media, academic panels and think tanks, earning him praise across the diplomatic spectrum. Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding, said: 'Prince Khalid brought a dignified presence to the Arab diplomatic circuit in London, especially during times of regional turmoil.' Prince Khalid brought a dignified presence to the Arab diplomatic circuit in London, especially during times of regional turmoil. Chris Doyle Council for Arab-British Understanding director Prince Khalid also deepened ties with institutions like the Saudi British Society, one of the UK's oldest platforms for cultural diplomacy. He supported its events and initiatives, highlighting arts, heritage and mutual understanding. Roxana Mohammadian-Molina, deputy chair of the Saudi British Joint Business Council, added: 'Prince Khalid's presence brought energy, engagement and a modern perspective to the bilateral relationship, particularly at a time of profound transformation in the Kingdom. We were honored to work alongside him to advance commercial and cultural ties, and we are grateful for his steadfast support of UK-Saudi collaboration. Roxana Mohammadian-Molina Saudi British Joint Business Council deputy chair 'At the Saudi British Joint Business Council, we were honored to work alongside him to advance commercial and cultural ties, and we are grateful for his steadfast support of UK-Saudi collaboration. He leaves a lasting legacy, and we wish him every success in his future endeavors.'
Arab News
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi Ambassador to UK rules out one-state solution for Palestine
LONDON: Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, has reaffirmed Riyadh's stance that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian issue. Speaking on Friday at a panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abbas, hosted by MENA-based think tank SRMG Think, the ambassador made it clear that the Kingdom rejects any notion of a one-state outcome. 'Discussions are just happening, and at the Arab Summit there will be agreement,' he said. '(It is) a little bit early for me to talk about it, but I can tell you that, definitely, we don't envisage seeing nothing. Straight off the bat, there is no one state solution. As far as we're concerned, we don't see the displacement of the people of Gaza as a viable method in order to achieve prosperity.' His remarks came as leaders from the GCC, Jordan and Egypt convened in Riyadh ahead of the emergency Arab Summit in Cairo, set for March 4. The meetings are focused on coordinated efforts in support of Palestine, developments in Gaza, and broader regional issues. The Arab League meeting is largely in response to US President Donald Trump's proposal for Washington to 'take over' Gaza, displace its residents, and turn the enclave into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' — a plan that Arab leaders have widely condemned. They are expected to present a formal response in Cairo. 'I do see a ray of hope in finding a solution, because, by and large, almost every country in the world has come to the same place of what is required for peace,' Prince Khalid said. However, he pointed to a key obstacle: Israel's lack of engagement. 'For the first time, very openly, our biggest issue is dealing with Israel,' the ambassador said, adding that the government in Tel Aviv 'seems to have no space for movement on a solution, and the solutions that are presented by the most outspoken members of this Israeli government don't seem to be solutions.' He continued: 'Give (it) a couple of days and more will come out. I can guarantee you that by and large, we agree on two-state solution, a government of Palestine, and then we can talk about everything else, but everything else is not going to happen without that.' Since the latest conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, Arab states have united in condemning the devastation in Gaza and calling for urgent peace talks. However, Prince Khalid said he has observed a notable shift in approach over the past month. 'The last 30 days of the (US) administration feel like it's been 10 years. So much has happened in a short amount of time,' the ambassador said, adding that since Trump's return to office, engagement with the region and beyond 'has been unbelievable.' 'Things have changed. People have begun taking action and engaging and getting themselves into gear rather than sitting back and waiting,' Prince Khalid said. '(Friday's meeting in Riyadh) and the summit in Cairo are very good examples. We have decided to take responsibility for what is happening in our part of the world, ourselves, (and) we're going to find our solution, and we will take that to the world. And my assumption is hopefully the world will come with us. 'It has brought the Arab countries certainly together in a way that I didn't foresee at this time.' The discussion was part of the Debating MENA series hosted at the Frontline Club in London, which brings regional leaders to discuss key developments in the Middle East. Previous events featured Robert Ford, a former US ambassador to Syria, and Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the prime minister of Iraq. During the conversation, Prince Khalid also addressed Saudi Arabia's evolving relationships with regional powers, including Syria, Iran and Türkiye. He noted that while ties with Damascus and its new government are improving, Riyadh remains 'cautious.' 'We have seen our engagement, or lack thereof, in the region historically, where we missed opportunities and allowed someone else to go back. We did not want to make that same mistake again with Syria,' Prince Khalid said. 'The engagement we have from the new government has been incredibly positive. Are we cautious? Of course, we're going to be cautious. There are lots of reasons to be cautious.' Trust remains a key challenge between the two countries, he added, particularly as Syria emerges from what he described as a 'traumatic' period. The country's transitional government, led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, a former Al-Qaeda member and militant group commander, ousted Bashar Assad on Dec. 8, ending more than five decades of rule by the Assad family. The last 13 years were marked by a brutal civil war that caused one of the worst humanitarian crises of the century. 'We need to build trust on both sides, but I think with Syria, the government has gone out of its way to try and engage with us, and we're not going to say no to that, and we will try and help where we can and bring people along with us,' Prince Khalid said. He stressed that while Syria remains an independent nation, 'it needs a lot of help' and will require significant international cooperation to rebuild. Prince Khalid also described Syria's diplomatic outreach as a bridge between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, calling it a 'really positive' development. Despite normalizing ties in 2021 and strengthening economic relations in recent years, Riyadh and Ankara have maintained a politically complex relationship, partly due to historical tensions. However, the rebuilding of post-Assad Syria presents an opportunity for both nations to further deepen their ties. He drew a parallel with Saudi Arabia's rapprochement with Iran in March 2023, when China brokered talks to restore diplomatic relations after years of hostility. Prince Khalid noted that this renewed space for dialogue played a crucial role in preventing the October 7 conflict from escalating into a broader regional war. 'It took huge efforts to stop it from metastasizing into something much more dangerous,' he said. 'And part of the reason we were able to do that is because we were engaging with Iran in a way we hadn't been for quite some time.' Prince Khalid also addressed the recent US-Russia talks, which were hosted in Riyadh this week. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia's role was to provide a neutral platform for dialogue. 'We have perfectly good relations with Russia, great relations with the US. Our policy is always to talk to everyone regardless. That's not always possible, but we constantly try. And I think this is a result of that, where both countries felt comfortable talking things down,' he said. On a question as to why Kyiv was not represented at the talks, Prince Khalid said: 'This is the beginning of a process. It is one element in what will require a lot of meetings and a lot of agreements, including, despite the way it's been promoted, Ukraine. You can't have peace between two people without one person at the table.'
Arab News
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Wadi Forum discusses Saudi Arabia's global role at Munich Security Conference
Powered by SRMG Think, Wadi Forum hosted a side event at the 61st Munich Security Conference titled 'A Conversation on Saudi Foreign Policy Priorities,' bringing together officials, experts and thought leaders. The international security conference gathers hundreds of senior decision-makers as well as thought leaders from around the world, including heads of state, ministers, leading personalities of international and non-governmental organizations, high-ranking representatives of industry, media, academia, and civil society, to engage in an intensive debate on international security policy. This year's conference focused on the emergence of 'multipolarization,' a defining shift in the global order that is reshaping geopolitics, trade, technology, and capital flows. A new administration has taken office in Washington, Europe is on the brink of a new legislative cycle in Brussels, and the Middle East faces heightened instability with ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon - all of which reflect the broader trend of multipolarization, an official statement noted. As power dynamics evolve in today's multipolar world, Saudi Arabia occupies a unique position. With its strategic influence, economic strength, and status as custodian of Islam's two holiest mosques, the Kingdom plays a critical role in bridging global divides. Its wide-ranging commercial, investment, and diplomatic efforts make it a key actor in shaping the future of the Middle East. The SRMG Think-powered discussion, held earlier this week, examined Saudi Arabia's foreign policy priorities in an era of geopolitical transformation. Among the attendees were Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies; Mohamed Alyahya, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Rainer Rudolph, vice chairman of the conference; and Nedaa Almubarak, managing director of SRMG Think. Participants also discussed how Riyadh's view of the world has evolved over the past few years and what it means for the region's collective future. Discussions also focused on the Kingdom's role in promoting regional peace and stability, supporting prosperity, accelerating dialogue, and prioritizing economic development through its Vision 2030. Wadi Forum is an exclusive, off-the-record gathering that brings together officials, experts and thought leaders to discuss pressing issues in the MENA region.
