The visit of British Prime Minister Theresa May to Saudi Arabia is reflective of the Kingdom's efforts to continuously engage with leading global players. It also draws a new roadmap in relations in the run-up to Brexit and after. The two countries hold identical views on numerous international and regional issues. This common approach to addressing key issues is bolstered by UK's deep understanding of the people of the region. Much time is saved in any Arab-British dialogue by this simple consideration. This works the other way as well, as Arabs are fully aware of the British way of thinking. Saudi Arabia is leading an Arab coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen, even as it confronts Iranian interference in the internal affairs of other countries. It is also leading an Islamic anti-terrorism coalition. The Kingdom is also active in trying to alleviate bloody conflicts in the region, foremost among them being the Syrian crisis. Meanwhile, London is seeking continuous political dialogue with important Middle Eastern countries, particularly Saudi Arabia due to its political, economic and military weight. Britain is also looking to establish strategic economic partnership aimed at the post-European Union phase, coinciding with the National Transformation Program 2020 and the Saudi Vision 2030. Both countries are at war with terrorism, and are working towards closer cooperation in combating terrorism. The British Prime Minister has confirmed this fact, and considers Saudi Arabia as an important counterterrorist ally. She has paid tribute to Saudi Arabia's role in safeguarding the lives of scores of British people through its security and intelligence cooperation. Prevailing circumstances offer an opportunity to both countries to take their historic relations to greater heights, keeping common interests in mind. The present visit of the British Prime minister is a step in this direction. It will ultimately serve the interests of the two countries whose time-tested friendship is based on mutual respect.
