UK PM Rishi Sunak meets Saudi Arabia's MbS to discuss energy prices

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that he hoped the two nations could work together to help stabilise energy markets, a spokesperson for the British leader said following a meeting between the pair on Tuesday.

"In light of the global increase in energy prices sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the prime minister said he hoped the UK and Saudi Arabia could continue to work together to stabilise energy markets," the spokesperson said in a statement issued following the meeting at the G20 summit in Indonesia. 

Saudi Arabia has been criticised by the US for spearheading an oil production cut among OPEC+ countries, despite surging energy demands amid the Ukraine invasion. 

Riyadh was accused by US officials of showing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, claims which they vehemently deny. 

It insists the cut was about economics, not politics. 

The UK government statement also said: "The leaders shared their concern over threats to peace and security in the Middle East." 

Downing Street confirmed on Tuesday that Sunak did not bring up the case of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Washington Post writer was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. His death has been linked directly to Mohammed bin Salman by US intelligence agencies.