The United Kingdom is advancing its efforts to reinforce security and economic ties across the Gulf region, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy visiting Oman and Qatar this week to deepen cooperation in trade, defence and diplomacy.
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office stated that the visit will reaffirm Britain’s commitment to enhancing regional stability and unlocking fresh investment opportunities as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
In Oman, Lammy is celebrating 225 years of formal diplomatic relations. His visit focuses on green growth, regional security and tackling emerging global challenges.
British officials confirmed that Lammy will also address the recent talks between the United States and Iran hosted in Oman. He will stress that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon that could threaten international peace and security.
The UK remains committed to using all diplomatic tools to achieve a negotiated solution.
The visit to Oman will also highlight concerns about maritime security threats, particularly Houthi attacks on international shipping routes in the Red Sea.
This region is crucial to the UK economy, with over one trillion dollars worth of goods passing through each year. Lammy will emphasise that safeguarding these vital trade routes is essential for British exports and global economic stability.
In Qatar, Lammy will lead the UK-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, which the Foreign Office credits with driving major investments into Britain’s energy, defence and property sectors.
He praised the strong partnership, noting that it is unlocking significant opportunities and creating jobs in industries vital to the UK’s future prosperity.
The Foreign Secretary will also discuss progress on the proposed UK-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, which could boost bilateral trade by up to 16 percent, potentially adding an estimated £8.6 billion annually.
Lammy underlined that economic growth must be firmly rooted in regional security. Boosting prosperity depends on building stability, he said, stressing the importance of countering malign activities linked to Iran and addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
He will call for a return to a ceasefire, insisting that further bloodshed benefits no one and that a lasting peace is crucial for the security of both the Gulf region and the United Kingdom.
The visit will also strengthen defence cooperation. Lammy is expected to discuss the close collaboration between British and Qatari armed forces, including the joint Royal Air Force and Qatar Amiri Air Force squadron that trains pilots for regional air security missions.
