Javier M. Carbajosa

Saudi Arabia and Spain culminated a long process in Madrid on Wednesday. It will be consequential for the future of bilateral relations between our two countries. The visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan constitutes a major milestone in the long-standing relationship between Spain and the Kingdom, based on friendship, cultural and historical bonds, political proximity, and the determination of both governments to address future challenges together.

Prince Faisal’s visit serves several purposes. The first and most relevant is the establishment of a Strategic Partnership Council, representing the culmination of our excellent relations, which have been taken to the highest diplomatic level. The council will be the mechanism aimed at promoting coordination in areas such as political and security matters, defense, transport, economy and commerce, energy, and culture.

In addition, Prince Faisal and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares signed an agreement on reciprocal visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports, aimed at facilitating institutional exchanges and further strengthening bilateral ties.

The meeting was also a very timely opportunity for both sides to address a number of other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, including the ample possibilities of EU-Gulf Cooperation Council relations.

On the bilateral agenda, we need to note that significant progress has been made in areas such as security and defense, trade and investment, and cultural cooperation — let us not forget that Saudi Arabia is Spain’s first commercial partner in the region. Most importantly, the meeting provided Spain with a new opportunity to convey our solidarity with Saudi Arabia after the unacceptable Iranian attacks on its territory.

From a regional perspective, both Saudi Arabia and Spain are staunch defenders of multilateralism, international law and the UN Charter. More than ever, we need to stand up for these values. This is the time for de-escalating, for negotiations and for dialogue, not for war or violence, be it in Gaza, Lebanon or the Gulf.

Spain considers Saudi Arabia a leading force for peace, stability and security in the region and beyond.

Spain considers Saudi Arabia a leading force for peace, stability and security in the region and beyond. In our view, the Kingdom plays a crucial role in matters such as the Palestinian issue. Saudi Arabia and Spain are active members of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State solution and Spain recognized the state of Palestine in May 2024.

Saudi Arabia’s role is also relevant in terms of issues such as Lebanon, Yemen and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, with both countries supporting the need to guarantee freedom of navigation in this strategic chokepoint for global energy and trade flows.

From a different angle, it is hard not to mention our admiration for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 modernization process under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia is indeed undergoing a stunning transformation and Spanish firms operating in the Kingdom are willing to continue their participation in this process.

Finally, Spain has reaffirmed its support for Expo 2030 in Riyadh. As Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez did last year, Foreign Minister Albares reaffirmed this commitment on Wednesday and expressed his hope that our presence at this major event will meet the expectations of the Saudi hosts.

We do not know what the future will bring, but let us walk this road together.

Javier M. Carbajosa is the Ambassador of Spain to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Javier has also served in Pakistan as the Spanish Ambassador.