Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has embarked on a controversial diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia, where he held private discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, The Independent can reveal.
The surprise meeting occurred during Johnson's current tour of Middle Eastern nations, raising fresh questions about the nature of his ongoing international engagements and their potential implications for UK foreign policy.
Private Diplomacy Under Scrutiny
Johnson's closed-door conversation with the Saudi leader comes at a sensitive time for UK-Saudi relations. The Crown Prince's government has faced international criticism over its human rights record, particularly following the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Details of what exactly was discussed during the meeting remain scarce, with Johnson's office providing minimal information about the agenda or outcomes of the high-level talks.
Pattern of Middle East Engagement
This isn't Johnson's first foray into Middle Eastern diplomacy since leaving Downing Street. The former Conservative leader has maintained an active international profile, though the exact capacity in which he currently operates remains unclear.
Political analysts suggest such meetings could influence Britain's official foreign policy direction, even when conducted by former leaders operating outside government structures.
Questions Over Transparency
The lack of detailed disclosure about the meeting's purpose has prompted concerns among transparency advocates and foreign policy experts. Many are questioning whether private citizens, even former prime ministers, should be conducting such high-level international diplomacy without full public accountability.
The development also raises broader questions about the revolving door between high office and international consulting roles, and how such activities might intersect with or influence official government positions.
As Britain navigates complex international relationships in a changing global landscape, the transparency of such private diplomatic initiatives remains a subject of intense public interest and scrutiny.
