UK PM Boris Johnson Travels to UAE and Saudi for Oil Diplomacy

MAR 16 2022·Updated JAN 23 2023

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Image credit: Pool [via The New York Times]

The Facts

UK PM Boris Johnson met with Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Riyadh on Wed., after meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) in the UAE earlier in the day.
Al Jazeera
He is attempting to strengthen ties with the Gulf countries as part of an ongoing effort to wean London's dependency on Russian oil, as the invasion of Ukraine has seen oil prices fluctuate between $100 and $140 per barrel in recent weeks.
Al Jazeera
His visit comes just days after Saudi Arabia executed 81 prisoners. MBS also faces international criticism for the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, sanctioned by the prince according to a US intelligence report.
nytimes
Johnson's visits come amidst recent Saudi displeasure with the US, and an effort by Riyadh to deepen energy ties with China.
ITN
No pledge was made by Saudi Arabia or the UAE to increase oil supplies.
Reuters

Sources Split

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The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Johnson has brought shame on himself and his country by cosying-up to a nation known to be human rights offender. His visit comes days after an illegal mass execution. There are other more sustainable solutions to the energy crisis facing the UK.

guardian

Pro-establishment narrative

Although the best solution in the medium term is for the West to develop its own energy resources, there isn't the time in the current crisis for this to fill the energy gap created by Russian sanctions. Persuading the Saudis to provide enough oil to meet the UK's demands is the lesser of two evils.

Spectator (UK)