Starmer underlines UK’s ‘commitment to peace and security’ in the Middle East

The Prime Minister spoke with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Jordan about the war in Gaza, defence and the UK’s trading relationships.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Alastair Grant/PA) (PA Wire)

Sir Keir Starmer has underlined the UK’s “enduring commitment to peace and security” in the Middle East during phone calls with international leaders.

Topics such as the war in Gaza, defence and the UK’s trading relationships were raised during the conversations on Monday afternoon.

The Prime Minister spoke separately with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Jordan and said he looked forward to meeting them in person soon.

Both Sir Keir and Jordan’s King Abdullah II agreed that “ensuring an immediate ceasefire is vital” to getting the hostages out and aid into Gaza.

The leaders were also aligned on the UK and Jordan’s “deep and historic” relationship.

“Turning to the situation in Gaza, the leaders discussed the situation on the ground and the Prime Minister updated on the Foreign Secretary’s visit during the weekend and commended King Abdullah for his strong leadership in ensuring regional security.

“Ensuring an immediate ceasefire is vital to ensure hostages get out and further aid can get into Gaza, the leaders agreed,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Sir Keir and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia discussed “working together to strengthen areas of shared interest, including trade, investment and defence cooperation”.

The Prime Minister praised the Saudi leaders’ “leadership to support regional stability and underlined the UK’s enduring commitment to peace and security in the region”.

During the phone call, the Crown Prince also congratulated the Labour leader on his election.

When speaking to the Sultan of Oman, Haitham Bin Tariq al-Said, Sir Keir said he “looked forward to expanding UK-Oman ties across defence, security and economic prosperity”.

“Reflecting on the situation in the Middle East, the leaders agreed that regional security was paramount and agreed to work closely to ensure stability.

“The leaders agreed to remain in contact and looked forward to meeting soon,” a Downing street spokesperson said.