Saudi Arabia and Spain have signed an agreement to establish the Saudi-Spanish Strategic Partnership Council, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
On Wednesday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Madrid, where he met with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares. During their meeting, the two ministers discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to elevate ties to “strategic partnership.”
In light of this, they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Saudi-Spanish Strategic Partnership Council to advance the deeply-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and Spain.
Furthermore, the two ministers commended progress in bilateral cooperation across priority sectors, such as security, defense, trade, investment and culture, as well as multilateral cooperation. They underscored their commitment to bolstering the strategic partnership and the future opportunities it offers.
The meeting also saw the signing of a reciprocal visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports.
Importantly, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, voicing concern over the ongoing escalation. In this context, they emphasized the need to adhere to international law and to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon.
They also highlighted the importance of prioritizing dialogue and diplomatic solutions to achieve regional and international security and stability.
Both sides renewed their call for restraint and the exercise of wisdom, emphasizing the need to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Moreover, Spain reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries and Jordan against the blatant attacks they endured. It also appreciated Saudi Arabia’s balanced and responsible approach and its consistent calls for de-escalation and diplomacy.
Meanwhile, the Saudi side praised Spain’s condemnation of Iranian aggressions as well as Israeli attacks on Lebanon. It also commended its support for the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution.
