MADRID — Saudi Arabia and Spain have signed a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of the Saudi-Spanish Strategic Partnership Council.
The two countries also inked an agreement on the mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports. The pacts were signed during the meeting between the visiting Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares Bueno in Madrid on Wednesday.
Their discussions focused on ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, elevate them to a strategic partnership, and advance the deep and growing relationship built upon historical ties and bonds of friendship between the leadership and people of the two countries.
The ministers expressed their satisfaction with the level and development of bilateral relations and welcomed the progress achieved in areas of cooperation, particularly in areas of shared priority, including security, defense, trade, investment, and culture, as well as multilateral cooperation. They expressed their commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership and the future opportunities it offers.
The Saudi and Spanish ministers exchanged views on regional and international developments, expressing their concern over the escalating tensions in the region. They emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and the necessity of consolidating the ceasefire in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon, prioritizing dialogue and diplomatic solutions to contribute to regional and international security and stability. Both sides reiterated their call for restraint and prudence, and for ensuring the security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Spanish side reaffirmed the Spanish government’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Jordan in the face of the blatant attacks to which their countries have been subjected, and commended the balanced and responsible approach adopted by Saudi Arabia, and its continued calls for de-escalation and prioritizing diplomatic solutions.
The Saudi side commended Spain’s position calling for de-escalation in the Middle East, and its condemnation of Iranian aggression against the GCC countries and Jordan, the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, and Spain’s position on the Palestinian cause and its efforts to support the two-state solution.
Source: Saudi Gazette