Special Agent 007 (who's not-so-real name is Bond, James Bond), works for the Queen. So it was only appropriate for the UK Consulate General in Jeddah to display a gleaming white Aston Martin DB9. 007, however, drove a Vanquish, of course, but an Aston is an Aston. The Aston, along with an array of exclusively British items and events, were all part of the UK CG's celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's 82nd birthday on Tuesday evening. Around 350 people, including Saudis and members of expatriate communities in Jeddah were invited to the two-hour event. The celebration included displays of various famous (and famously) British brands. There was also a presentation stand for UK visas and another for the British Council. Kate Rudd, the British Consul General, said she is always concerned with Anglo-Saudi cooperation in economy, trade and education. “Both the countries have been looking forward to strengthening the relationship,” she said. She added that for many years, the two Kingdoms have enjoyed an exceptionally strong trading relationship. “Saudi Arabia is one of Britain's largest trade and investment partners in the Middle East, with the UK among the largest foreign investors in KSA,” said Rudd. “Every month, two British official trade delegations visit Saudi Arabia,” she added. According to Cecille L. Beleiti, Deputy Consul General, this year's celebration theme was “Responsible Luxury.” “Being responsible with luxury would also show that it has been recognized as being environmentally friendly,” she said. According to Mohammed Ziauddin, an officer at the UK Visa Application Center, his country has the easiest way to apply for visas. An applicant for a tourist visa, he added, only needs to submit a bank statement for the last three months and letters from their employer or company. __
