UK Seeks Deeper Defence Cooperation With Saudi Arabia and Turkey

Defence Secretary John Healey speaking at a press conference after signing a new UK-Germany Defence Agreement at Trinity House in London, England, on Oct. 23, 2024. Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

The UK will seek to deepen defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and NATO ally Turkey, as well as work to deescalate tensions in the Middle East, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

Defence Secretary John Healey is set to meet with his counterparts in Riyadh and Ankara on Thursday, where the minister will reaffirm the UK’s commitment to global security and securing ceasefires in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

During his trip to Ankara, Healey and his counterpart Yasar Guler will agree plans to deepen military cooperation, as well as expand defence industrial partnerships which would include potential procurement opportunities.

Later during his first visit to Riyadh, Healey will meet with Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Minister for the National Guard Abdullah bin Bandar, to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to a “future-facing” defence relationship.

Ahead of the meetings, Healey said: “Deepening our defence relationships with key partners across the region will help the UK to support regional stability and economic growth at home.

“This government is determined to work with our partners and across the Middle East to boost military cooperation and help lead a renewed push for peace.”

Conflict has been ongoing in the Middle East since Hamas launched its deadly terror attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which prompted military action in the region by Israeli forces.

The UK government is calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the return of the remaining Israeli hostages who have been held by the terror group for more than a year.

Defence Treaty With Romania

Healey’s partnership building in the Middle East follows his signing of a new defence treaty with Romania, which also seeks to deepen defence cooperation and procurement.

The agreement, signed by Healey’s Romanian counterpart Angel Tilvar at the MoD in London on Wednesday, will establish a joint defence committee which will help the two nations work better together on addressing threats in Europe.

That same day, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to discuss the new treaty, as well as potential UK investment in Romania’s critical national infrastructure.

The MoD said that the UK’s and Romania’s armed forces have worked closely together for many years. Earlier this year, a Royal Air Force fighter squadron of six Typhoons and 200 personnel were deployed to the eastern European country to fly NATO air policing missions for four months.

Other recent operations include the British Army being deployed to the Carpathian Mountains between September and October to practice training in difficult terrain alongside NATO allies.

Healey said the agreement “demonstrates how quickly the UK’s defence relationship with Romania is growing and it shows our shared commitment to peace and security in Europe.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomes Prime Minister of Romania Marcel Ciolacu to Downing Street in London, England, on Nov. 13, 2024. Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

The agreement follows a UK-German defence pact signed last month that will see German military aircraft operate out of a base in Scotland as well as the opening of new artillery gun barrel factory in the UK.

Support for Ukraine

The UK’s deal with Romania also includes an agreement to establish a joint committee to coordinate work in supporting Ukraine.

Romania shares the UK’s support for Kyiv, and has sent personnel to the UK to aide in efforts to train more than 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers as part of Operation Interflex.

The UK’s defence secretary said, “The UK’s security starts in Ukraine and, together with Romania as our NATO allies, we will continue to support Ukraine against Putin’s illegal invasion.”

“This Government is resetting Britain’s relations across Europe, and this agreement builds on that commitment as we continue to deepen our ties,” he added.

Last month, the Treasury announced a £2.26 billion loan to Kyiv for purchasing military equipment, with it being repaid to the UK using profits on frozen Russian sovereign overseas assets.

The loan is on top of the government’s existing £3 billion a year commitment in military aid, as well as the £12.8 billion the UK has already committed in military, economic, and humanitarian support.

The prime minister and other members of his Cabinet have repeatedly said that the UK would support Ukraine with funds and materiel for “as long it takes.”