Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the aims and objectives are of Government policy towards Saudi Arabia. [149081]

Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State: Saudi Arabia is an important regional ally for the UK. We enjoy a relationship based on common interests in many areas, including trade and investment, education, culture, defence, and security. Our aim is to strengthen our engagement in these areas and support the government's foreign policy objectives of security, prosperity, and support for UK nationals overseas. This close relationship allows us to have frank conversations with the Saudi Arabian Government in other areas, such as human rights, the UK's values, and the importance of the rule of law. I and my ministerial colleagues visit the Kingdom, or meet with senior Saudi visitors to the UK on a regular basis.

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