“With all its resources, the Kingdom together with its allies like the UK can build indigenous capacity,” said Sir Tom Phillips, speaking during a reception for a visiting UK defense and security delegation at the British Embassy in Riyadh. “We see Saudi Arabia as our prime strategic partner in this region.”
He called on UK companies that have brought high-quality defense and security products into the Kingdom’s market to work closely with Saudi companies and boost links in defense and security.
The UK, the world's second largest defense exporter behind the US, supplies more defense equipment to Saudi Arabia than any other country.
The reception was also attended by a number of Saudi businessmen. Alan Malpas, regional director for UK Trade & Investment, and Paul Williams, counselor at the British Embassy, were on hand to answer queries.
All 20 companies from the UK's defense and security mission set up inquiry booths and exchanged information with Saudi visitors in the main hall of the embassy.
When asked about the specific fields where Saudi Arabia could be self-reliant in the defense sector, Phillips said it depended on the Kingdom’s requirements. He pointed out that the UK was working to establish a military aircraft assembly plant in Saudi Arabia.
A group of Saudis are being trained to work with Typhoon aircraft in Warton, with a view to deploying both Saudi and British experts at the proposed plant, said a report published recently.
Phillips further pointed out that there are proposals in the defense sector currently under discussion. He added that the Kingdom and the UK have well-established ties in the defense and security sectors.
Many British companies have evinced interest in forging partnerships with Saudi companies, said Malpas, adding that the UK had 2,000 top companies specialized in the manufacturing of security equipment alone.
Britain's defense exports surpassed 7 billion pounds in 2009, a 20 percent share of the global market, according to UK Trade & Investment. Saudi Arabia is the UK's largest trading partner in the Middle East.
There are about 200 Saudi-UK joint ventures operating in the two countries.
Malpas said that the delegation made a presentation at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where Saudi businessmen also interacted with the British companies.
Malpas also stressed the need for joint collaboration with Saudi companies in developing local capabilities.
The defense and security delegation covers a wide range of products and services, including the protection of critical national infrastructure, solar powered CCTV systems, surveillance systems, security training, protection against ballistic attacks, and marine navigation systems.
