Sept. 23 is a day when the Saudi people can be rightly proud of the history of their nation. Saudi Arabia is a strong nation, an important player in the world and a key partner of the UK. The development of this nation began with unification. Today we celebrate the 84th National Day.

Relations between our two Kingdoms long predate the birth of modern Saudi Arabia. British explorers travelled through Central Arabia as far back as the early 1800s, meeting tribal leaders and learning the ways of the desert and in 1910, Political Adviser, Captain Shakespear was the first Englishman to meet the founder of Saudi Arabia, Ibn Saud. The result of this, the Anglo Arab Agreement, remains the foundation of our strong relationship today.

Sir John Jenkins

Ambassador of UK