The Saudi-British relationship is heading for a new course that establishes a close phase of strategic cooperation based on the common interests of the two friendly countries. For nearly a century, the Saudi-British friendship has acquired deep-seated depth that in the future will lead to greater cooperation and further progress in this relationship, reflecting their common interests. The current visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, to the United Kingdom, to strengthen this partnership and work on its development, which was confirmed by His Royal Highness in his statements to the Telegraph saying, "After Brexit there will be huge opportunities for Britain as a result of Vision 2030." The Saudi-British friendship is intertwined in many areas, but the economic aspect remains a fundamental and strong pillar of this relationship. Given the Kingdom's influential position in international economic decisions and as one of the G-20 countries, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince affirms that "the Kingdom is the key to economic success in the region." The volume of trade exchange between the two countries, which registered in 2016, more than 17 billion riyals gives more flexibility in increasing partnership and cooperation. Economically there are 374 British investment licenses in the Kingdom with estimated total capital of about 3.4 billion dollars and the share of the British partner of which is 1.5 billion dollars. The historic visit of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to the United Kingdom comes amidst a warm welcome. British Prime Minister Theresa May welcomed His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, saying it would create a new platform to strengthen relations between the two countries. In an official statement, she said that her country's strong relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has led to understanding of issues of mutual concern, such as regional security and the humanitarian situation in Yemen, as well as enhancing cooperation. The relationship between the Kingdom and Britain has entered a new phase with the start of the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a guest of Queen Elizabeth II's government. This was accompanied by an official and popular welcome. The capital London's streets and public squares display welcoming signs of the visit and pictures of His Royal Highness and flags of the two countries as well as welcoming phrases embodying the strategic nature of the bilateral relations and the role played by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in the history of this friendship.
