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Prince Charles to visit Saudi Arabia


Britain’s Prince Charles will make an official visit to Saudi Arabia later this month.

Clarence House has announced the royal’s four-day trip to the Middle East begins next Monday (17.02.14) and comes less than a year since he last toured Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Sir John Jenkins, the UK’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said: "Our two kingdoms share a long friendship, going back to the foundation of the modern Saudi state. Continuity of personal relationships, essential if we are to understand each other better, have been central to this.

"His Royal Highness’ second visit to the kingdom in my time here as ambassador exemplifies our wish to engage at the most senior levels and our determination to sustain the personal touch."

He continued: "At a time of enormous turmoil and human agony in the Middle East, seen today perhaps most acutely in Syria, the Prince’s advocacy of interfaith understanding and dialogue between communities is needed more than ever.

"His Majesty the King shares this deep concern. I know that he and His Royal Highness will have much to discuss about the need for reconciliation and their hopes for the region’s future."

Charles first toured the nation in 1986 and this year will mark his 10th official trip to the country.