Saudi Delegation Strengthens EU–MENA Security Cooperation in Lisbon
Saudi Arabia joins major EU–Middle East and North Africa ministerial conference to advance law-enforcement and regional stability
A senior Saudi interior ministry delegation has joined the Ministerial Conference of the European Union and the Middle East and North Africa (EU–MENA) – held in Lisbon – to reinforce trans-regional security collaboration.
Led by Assistant Interior Minister Hisham Al-Faleh, representing Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, the delegation emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to law-enforcement coordination, combating organised crime and enhancing agency capacity.
The conference, inaugurated by Portuguese Home Affairs Minister Maria Lúcia Amaral, brought together European and Arab states alongside international organisations to establish a regional policy dialogue, review security models and explore mechanisms for intelligence and information sharing.
Al-Faleh highlighted that “crime in all forms poses major challenges” and called for “improved international partnerships” to address emerging threats.
Saudi Arabia’s participation underscores its strategic priority of strengthening security ties beyond the Gulf, aligning with its Vision 2030 aim to expand international cooperation.
The government pointed to advanced monitoring and coordination frameworks within its borders as examples of modern law-enforcement practice, offering to exchange expertise and jointly develop operational strategies alongside European counterparts.
Discussions at the conference ranged from cross-border cooperation to capacity-building of specialised agencies, reflecting a mutual recognition of shared threats including organised crime networks, human trafficking and digital-age security challenges.
The Lisbon forum also reaffirmed previous commitments under the EU–MENA “Regional Political Dialogue Process” to hold high-level conferences and establish action plans that integrate law-enforcement agencies such as Europol, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and Interpol.
As a follow-up to the meeting, Saudi Arabia and the EU are expected to develop joint training initiatives and expand security-technology cooperation.
With the Kingdom now formally stepping into broader regional dialogue venues, the Lisbon engagement signals a stronger Saudi role in pan-Mediterranean and Middle Eastern security architecture.
Led by Assistant Interior Minister Hisham Al-Faleh, representing Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, the delegation emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to law-enforcement coordination, combating organised crime and enhancing agency capacity.
The conference, inaugurated by Portuguese Home Affairs Minister Maria Lúcia Amaral, brought together European and Arab states alongside international organisations to establish a regional policy dialogue, review security models and explore mechanisms for intelligence and information sharing.
Al-Faleh highlighted that “crime in all forms poses major challenges” and called for “improved international partnerships” to address emerging threats.
Saudi Arabia’s participation underscores its strategic priority of strengthening security ties beyond the Gulf, aligning with its Vision 2030 aim to expand international cooperation.
The government pointed to advanced monitoring and coordination frameworks within its borders as examples of modern law-enforcement practice, offering to exchange expertise and jointly develop operational strategies alongside European counterparts.
Discussions at the conference ranged from cross-border cooperation to capacity-building of specialised agencies, reflecting a mutual recognition of shared threats including organised crime networks, human trafficking and digital-age security challenges.
The Lisbon forum also reaffirmed previous commitments under the EU–MENA “Regional Political Dialogue Process” to hold high-level conferences and establish action plans that integrate law-enforcement agencies such as Europol, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and Interpol.
As a follow-up to the meeting, Saudi Arabia and the EU are expected to develop joint training initiatives and expand security-technology cooperation.
With the Kingdom now formally stepping into broader regional dialogue venues, the Lisbon engagement signals a stronger Saudi role in pan-Mediterranean and Middle Eastern security architecture.
