Visits of Ministers and Members of Parliament between UK and Saudi Arabia

This file concerns official visits to and from Saudi Arabia. It contains correspondence relating to:

• Arrangements for the visit of the Saudi Minister of Petroleum Sheikh Ahmad Zaki Yamani to the UK to discuss oil issues and development projects as part of a seminar with representatives of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC)
• Arrangements for a visit to the UK by Hisham Nazir, head of the Saudi Central Planning Organisation
• A possible visit to the UK by the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Omar Saqqaf
• A meeting between the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Martin Ennals and the Saudi Deputy Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Ibrahim Mas’ud covering Anglo-Saudi relations, the state of affairs in the Middle East, and oil matters
• Visits by members of parliament and the House of Lords to Saudi Arabia, including Reginald Maudling MP’s tour of the Middle East, John Nott MP’s visit to Saudi Arabia and enquiries into the Kingdom’s monetary policy, and the proposed visit of Lord Rhodes [Hervey Rhodes]
• Arrangements for a visit to Saudi Arabia by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Denis Healey to develop economic and financial relations during the sterling crisis; and a budget speech outlining the world economic conditions which necessitate a dialogue with oil-producing countries

This file also covers:

• A broadcast on Radio Moscow criticising King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and accusing him of indirectly helping to arm Israel
• Germany’s economic activities in Saudi Arabia
• A proposed British development package for Riyadh University
• Questions around sending a personal message from the Queen to King Faisal
• Press coverage of ministerial visits