UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond will use a tour of the Gulf states to press for more concerted action on Syria and Yemen.

After arriving in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Hammond then goes on to Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.

The Foreign Secretary will also meet the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, in Kuwait to underline UK support for the peace process in the strife-torn country.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Foreign Secretary said: "Wherever we look, the world is becoming more dangerous and more uncertain. International engagement is fundamental to maintaining both Britain's security and our prosperity.

"Britain's strong relations with the Gulf states enable us to work together on regional challenges and shared threats that confront us, whether from violent extremism, terrorism, or volatile economic conditions.

"The crisis in Yemen will be high on my agenda during discussions in the Gulf. Allowing the state to collapse is simply not an option. Britain is continuing to work together with all parties to support a comprehensive political solution to the conflict."

Source: MENA