Jeddah: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi city of Jeddah on Wednesday, with talks focusing on sustaining a regional ceasefire, securing maritime routes, and strengthening bilateral ties.

According to Anadolu Agency, Starmer welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US, Israel, and Iran and stressed that efforts must now shift toward preserving it and turning it into a lasting peace, as stated by the prime minister’s office.

The statement emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and highlighted the UK’s ongoing efforts to convene partners to agree and plan the steps necessary to ensure safe passage for shipping through the Strait.

Starmer expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its role in protecting British nationals amidst recent defensive operations in the region. He reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia as a key ally, including through the deployment of the Sky Sabre air defense system, and mentioned his meeting with UK personnel operating the system earlier in the day.

The discussion also explored expanding defense industrial cooperation to enhance long-term security capabilities while continuing to strengthen trade and investment ties. The Prime Minister expressed his pleasure that the UK and Saudi Arabia would soon be marking 100 years of friendship under the Treaty of Jeddah and looked forward to future discussions.