Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to the Persian Gulf this weekend, following his attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City alongside the Prime Minister.
Lammy’s itinerary includes his first official visit to Oman since taking up the role of Foreign Secretary.
During his stay in Oman, Mr Lammy will engage in crucial discussions surrounding recent negotiations between the United States and Iran. The focus will be on efforts to prevent Tehran from advancing its nuclear ambitions.
Regional security remains a key priority. Lammy’s meetings aim to reinforce collaboration against destabilising activities, with Iran’s influence high on the agenda.
Following Oman, Lammy will travel to Qatar, where he is expected to meet with Qatari leaders to explore new opportunities for enhancing trade relations with the United Kingdom.
The talks will also address pressing regional issues. Discussions are expected to cover peace efforts in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as strategies to counter the threats posed by Houthi rebels to shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Ahead of his Gulf tour, Mr Lammy emphasised the importance of strong international ties. He stated: “The UK’s relationship with the Gulf continues to go from strength to strength. Our partnerships are unlocking huge investment opportunities in the UK and creating jobs in the industries of the future which is at the very heart of our change plan.
But boosting growth is reliant on building stability. It’s vital we engage closely with partners like Qatar and Oman to strengthen security in the region, this includes countering Iran’s malign activity in the region and bringing the war in Gaza to end.”
David Lammy’s trip to the Gulf underscores the UK’s commitment to deepening its alliances across the Middle East. By focusing on nuclear non-proliferation, trade expansion, and regional stability, Lammy aims to position Britain as a pivotal player in shaping a more secure and prosperous future for both the Gulf and the global community.
