Foreign Ministry official Mohammad Tayeb joins British Ambassador Sir John Jenkins (C) and Consul General Mohammed Shokat (L) to cut the cake during celebrations marking the birthday of Queen Elizabeth at the British Consulate General in Jeddah. — SG photo Fatima Muhammad Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The British Consulate General in Jeddah recently celebrated the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The event was attended by Saudi officials, diplomats from various countries and media representatives. Speaking at the ceremony, British Ambassador Sir John Jenkins said the UK and Saudi Arabia "share a relationship that they consider the most important in the Middle East region." He added that this relationship matters to both countries, as reflected in the exchange of high-level visits. Jenkins said, “We have shared understanding of how monarchs embody national identities and provide reassuring continuity through times of change.” Director General of the Foreign Ministry's branch in Makkah province Mohammad Tayeb expressed his happiness in attending the celebrations and pointed to the age-old ties that link the two nations. Tayeb said, “Our bilateral relations date back to the 18th century and is the oldest with a European country. This gathering reflects the importance we attach to bilateral ties and we hope to enhance these relations to serve our people and the safety and security of the entire region." He said Saudi Arabia was keen to maintain good relations with all countries, especially with those that have historic and strategic ties with the Kingdom. “We want not only to strengthen commercial and diplomatic relations but also increase cultural exchanges and people-to-people bonds to have greater respect and understanding of each other's culture." Tayeb praised the British ambassador for making his speech in Arabic, saying this showed that the UK "cares not only about Saudi Arabia but also about the Arabic culture, which is the language of the Holy Qur'an.” He also appreciated the visa policy adopted by the British government to facilitate travel by Saudi nationals. "Saudis wishing to visit Britain can obtain a visa within a matter of a few days, which is unprecedented. We hope other countries will follow suit," Tayeb said.
