British PM Theresa May repeats faith in Saudi Vision 2030

British Prime Minister Theresa May praised her country’s ties with Saudi Arabia, especially in light of the changes proposed as part of its Vision 2030 program.

In an interview with the BBC, May said on her visit to Saudi Arabia, which got underway on Tuesday, she would meet with a female Saudi minister. She also said she hoped people would see her as a female leader.

May pointed to the changes promised as part of its Vision 2030 programme, adding: "I hope also that people see me as a woman leader will see what women can achieve and how women can be in significant positions."

Vision 2030's goals included increasing women's participation in the workforce from 22% to 30%. She added: "I've talked to the Saudis on a number of occasions and raised issues of this sort. We have already seen some changes.

"One of the meetings I'm going to be having when I'm in Saudi will be with a female minister. I'll be meeting with her and talking to her about the role that she plays."

Speaking to journalists as she travelled to Jordan, where she is visiting before Saudi, May said humanitarian aid was one of the issues she would be discussing on her trip.