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Saudi-EU Food Security Officials Hold Talks to Strengthen Collaboration
Meetings focus on enhancing food standards and trade opportunities between Saudi Arabia and the European Union.
In a significant move to bolster international food safety and trade relations, Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey, the CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), convened with Sandra Gallina, the Director General for Health and Food Safety at the European Commission, in Brussels.
The meeting took place on February 20, 2025, and also featured the participation of Haifa Al-Jedea, the Saudi ambassador to the EU.
The primary objective of the meeting was to enhance international cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise between Saudi Arabia and the European Union, particularly in the realm of food safety and regulatory standards.
During the discussions, both parties reviewed the SFDA's ongoing efforts to develop international food standards that adhere to the highest global benchmarks, reflecting a commitment to maintaining consumer safety and quality.
A key focus of the talks was to explore strategies for easing the entry of Saudi food and pharmaceutical exports into EU markets.
This initiative is anticipated to open mutual growth opportunities and expand the economic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the EU, a region known for its stringent safety regulations.
The discussions also ventured into the prospects of collaboration in several emerging areas, including biotechnology legislation, ensuring the availability of pharmaceuticals, and the integration of artificial intelligence applications.
Both officials expressed interest in joint efforts with specialized European agencies to align regulatory policies and share best practices, aiming to foster innovation and efficiency in the food and drug sectors.
This meeting is part of broader efforts by Saudi Arabia to enhance its global food security agenda, as the kingdom seeks to diversify its economy and increase its footprint in international markets.
The meeting took place on February 20, 2025, and also featured the participation of Haifa Al-Jedea, the Saudi ambassador to the EU.
The primary objective of the meeting was to enhance international cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise between Saudi Arabia and the European Union, particularly in the realm of food safety and regulatory standards.
During the discussions, both parties reviewed the SFDA's ongoing efforts to develop international food standards that adhere to the highest global benchmarks, reflecting a commitment to maintaining consumer safety and quality.
A key focus of the talks was to explore strategies for easing the entry of Saudi food and pharmaceutical exports into EU markets.
This initiative is anticipated to open mutual growth opportunities and expand the economic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the EU, a region known for its stringent safety regulations.
The discussions also ventured into the prospects of collaboration in several emerging areas, including biotechnology legislation, ensuring the availability of pharmaceuticals, and the integration of artificial intelligence applications.
Both officials expressed interest in joint efforts with specialized European agencies to align regulatory policies and share best practices, aiming to foster innovation and efficiency in the food and drug sectors.
This meeting is part of broader efforts by Saudi Arabia to enhance its global food security agenda, as the kingdom seeks to diversify its economy and increase its footprint in international markets.
