EU Delegation in Saudi Arabia Celebrates Europe Day: Reflects Strong Ties with Kingdom
Europe Day marked in Riyadh highlights strong partnership and continued cooperation between EU and Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh: Today’s world is at a crossroads, and in this rapidly shifting world, partnerships matter more than ever so we must stand together, said Christophe Farnaud, the EU’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
The Delegation of the EU to Saudi Arabia celebrated Europe Day on Thursday at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, reflecting the strong ties and continued cooperation between Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Europe Day officially falls on May 9, commemorating the Schuman Declaration which laid the foundations for what would later become the European Union.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Abdulmajeed Al-Smari along with senior officials and diplomats.
Farnaud emphasized that while Europe must address its own challenges such as ensuring security and economic competitiveness, these efforts are not enough in the face of global challenges.
He highlighted Saudi Vision 2030’s successful initiatives but stressed that success would be amplified through increased cooperation between Europe and Saudi Arabia.
The ambassador noted that both parties share common interests and have similar approaches to various issues, which strengthens their partnership for mutual success.
Farnaud further elaborated on current global crises such as the Iranian crisis and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, indicating that they strain the international system and challenge norms promoting war and chaos.
He stated that while there are positive changes brought about by technological advancements and societal interconnectedness, it is crucial to address fragmentation, instability, and erosion of international norms to avoid negative consequences.
Farnaud spoke positively about Saudi Arabia’s achievements in economic diversification, social progress, and sustainability as tangible proof of its vision’s success.
However, he underscored the importance of collective action and deeper engagement through partnerships rather than isolation or confrontation.
The strategic EU-Gulf partnership, particularly with Saudi Arabia, is vital according to Farnaud.
He stated that this partnership gained additional relevance due to shared long-term strategic visions set in motion with the 2021 cooperation agreements between the EU and Saudi Arabia.
On October 3, 2021, the European External Action Service and Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a cooperation arrangement to establish a formal framework for political and technical dialogue.
The two regions share an interest in peace and stability as prerequisites for energy security, economic growth, maritime safety, and global trade protection.
Trade between Saudi Arabia and the EU amounts to €90 billion, making the EU the Kingdom’s second-largest trading partner.
More than 2,500 European companies operate within Saudi Arabia, showcasing deep economic cooperation.
The EU-Saudi Chamber of Commerce serves as an example of this collaboration, with Farnaud highlighting its role in facilitating increased business between the two regions.
The Delegation of the EU to Saudi Arabia celebrated Europe Day on Thursday at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, reflecting the strong ties and continued cooperation between Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Europe Day officially falls on May 9, commemorating the Schuman Declaration which laid the foundations for what would later become the European Union.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Abdulmajeed Al-Smari along with senior officials and diplomats.
Farnaud emphasized that while Europe must address its own challenges such as ensuring security and economic competitiveness, these efforts are not enough in the face of global challenges.
He highlighted Saudi Vision 2030’s successful initiatives but stressed that success would be amplified through increased cooperation between Europe and Saudi Arabia.
The ambassador noted that both parties share common interests and have similar approaches to various issues, which strengthens their partnership for mutual success.
Farnaud further elaborated on current global crises such as the Iranian crisis and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, indicating that they strain the international system and challenge norms promoting war and chaos.
He stated that while there are positive changes brought about by technological advancements and societal interconnectedness, it is crucial to address fragmentation, instability, and erosion of international norms to avoid negative consequences.
Farnaud spoke positively about Saudi Arabia’s achievements in economic diversification, social progress, and sustainability as tangible proof of its vision’s success.
However, he underscored the importance of collective action and deeper engagement through partnerships rather than isolation or confrontation.
The strategic EU-Gulf partnership, particularly with Saudi Arabia, is vital according to Farnaud.
He stated that this partnership gained additional relevance due to shared long-term strategic visions set in motion with the 2021 cooperation agreements between the EU and Saudi Arabia.
On October 3, 2021, the European External Action Service and Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a cooperation arrangement to establish a formal framework for political and technical dialogue.
The two regions share an interest in peace and stability as prerequisites for energy security, economic growth, maritime safety, and global trade protection.
Trade between Saudi Arabia and the EU amounts to €90 billion, making the EU the Kingdom’s second-largest trading partner.
More than 2,500 European companies operate within Saudi Arabia, showcasing deep economic cooperation.
The EU-Saudi Chamber of Commerce serves as an example of this collaboration, with Farnaud highlighting its role in facilitating increased business between the two regions.
