Saudi Arabia and Spain Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement

Birmingham, England (ANTARA) - Saudi Arabia and Spain signed an agreement on Wednesday (13/5) to deepen bilateral relations and establish a formal strategic partnership during talks in Madrid between the foreign ministers of both countries, according to a joint statement released after the meeting. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud met with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno in the Spanish capital, where both sides discussed expanding cooperation in the areas of security, defence, trade, investment, and culture. The visit concluded with the signing of an agreement to form the Saudi-Spanish Strategic Partnership Council, aimed at strengthening long-term coordination between the two governments. The ministers stated that relations between the two kingdoms are rooted in “historical ties and friendship” and expressed satisfaction with what they described as developing cooperation across various sectors. The two countries also signed an agreement providing reciprocal visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports. Regional security issues were a major focus of the discussions, with both sides expressing concern over rising tensions in the Middle East. The joint statement emphasised the importance of complying with international law and strengthening ceasefires in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon. The ministers called for restraint, dialogue, and diplomatic solutions to help maintain regional and international stability. They also stressed the need to ensure security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Spain reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and Jordan over what were described as attacks targeting those nations. The Spanish side also praised Saudi Arabia’s approach, which advocates de-escalation and diplomacy. Saudi Arabia, in turn, commended Spain’s calls for de-escalation in the Middle East and welcomed Madrid’s support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Saudi side also praised Spain’s condemnation of Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan, as well as Israel’s military actions in Lebanon.