Is Boris Johnson’s government losing focus on the Middle East? – The National

Is Boris Johnson’s government losing focus on the Middle East? – The National

February has been a good month for UAE-UK relations. Just last week Prince William visited the Emirates, reaffirming the strong ties between both countries and their royal families. And at the beginning of the month, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, received James Cleverly, UK Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa.

As revealed by The National, Mr Cleverly will sadly no longer be representing the UK in the GCC region, after the post of Minister of State for the Middle East was scrapped. Instead, the country's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office plans to divide responsibility for the Mena region among three new ministerial posts. Amanda Milling will now add the Middle East to her Asia portfolio and Lord Ahmad will be given responsibility for North Africa. Mr Cleverly's new role mostly involves Europe, but also includes Iran.