Saudis Need Partners, UK Wants Trade Deal: What Will May's Mideast Tour Deliver?

Prime Minister Theresa May arrived in Riyadh Wednesday as part of her three day tour of the Middle East, aiming to boost the UK's presence in the region amid tough negotiations over the country's exit from the EU.
Radio Sputnik spoke to veteran journalist and region expert James Dorsey about what to expect from the tour.

May is set to hold talks with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, touching on the ongoing Saudi-led war in Yemen, as well as the diplomatic crisis between Riyadh and Doha. From Riyadh, she is expected to travel to Jordan and meet with King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Hani Mulki. Political observers can't help but to connect the British prime minister's trip with attempts to secure new business ties and diplomatic opportunities as London prepares to part ways with Brussels.

Speaking to Radio Sputnik, award-winning foreign corresponding James Dorsey, a senior fellow at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, outlined some of the reasons behind May's trip, as well some of the things British diplomats hope to accomplish.

"Obviously, commercial and economic relations are going to be foremost on our mind, given Brexit, and the fact that Britain has to reposition itself," Dorsey said. "At the same time, there are a number of geopolitical issues, including the Gulf crisis between Saudi Arabia and the UAE on the one hand, and Qatar on the other. And of course there's also the rivalry and the problems with Iran," he added..............https://sptnkne.ws/gdKW
 29/11/17