UK Middle East minister embarks on latest Gulf tour
UK's Minister for the Middle East, Lord Tariq Ahmad, has embarked on a diplomatic tour to the Gulf with the objective of advancing towards a durable ceasefire in Gaza.
Commencing his journey in Kuwait on Monday, Ahmad is scheduled to hold discussions with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub, and to co-chair the 20th session of the UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group with Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Sabah.
Subsequently, in Saudi Arabia, Ahmad's agenda includes meetings with Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji and officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, with a central focus on easing Gaza's humanitarian crisis and initiating an urgent halt to the hostilities to pave the way for a lasting ceasefire.
Ahmad is also set to address the UK's initiatives to counteract Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and discuss the UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme facilitating Jordanian and Gulf nationals' visits to the UK.
Highlighting the significance of regional stability and collaboration, Ahmad emphasized the importance of UK engagement with Middle East partners like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and bolstering regional security.
This tour is a continuation of the UK's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, complementing Foreign Secretary David Cameron's multiple visits aimed at mediating an immediate cessation of conflict and a subsequent enduring peace that would terminate further destruction and loss of life.