Saudi Arabia and Spain stress the need to establish an independent Palestinian state
During his regional trip to the Middle East, Spanish President Pedro Sánchez visited Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments.
Sánchez was received in Jeddah by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom he discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and the day after the war between Israel and Hamas. This meeting took place shortly after Sánchez announced his intention to recognise the State of Palestine before the summer.
In this regard, both the Spanish leader and the Saudi prince stressed the need to implement the Arab Peace Initiative aimed at finding a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict and establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with its capital in East Jerusalem.
Esta tarde he mantenido en Jeddah una reunión con su alteza real, Mohammed Bin Salman, para abordar la situación en Gaza y una solución de futuro, paz y estabilidad para la región, que debe llegar con el reconocimiento del Estado palestino y el israelí.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 2, 2024
Hemos tratado también… pic.twitter.com/CyvA0rH4cf
Likewise, during the meeting, Sánchez has conveyed Spain's readiness to support the leadership of the Arab Quintet to support the agreements for "the day after", according to La Moncloa.
With regard to the current war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Bin Salman and Sánchez stressed the urgency for the international community to redouble its efforts to put an end to the crisis through the ceasefire demanded by the United Nations Security Council and by ensuring access for humanitarian aid.
#Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/AJMSzsGt6k
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) April 2, 2024
In addition to the situation in Gaza, both leaders referred to the regional escalation of the conflict, highlighting the threats to global stability and security. On this point, Sánchez praised the efforts being made by Saudi Arabia to mediate between the different actors involved.
On the other hand, Sánchez pointed out that the Spanish Government is following with interest the economic and social transformation that Saudi Arabia is undergoing under the 'Vision 2030', an initiative promoted by Mohamed bin Salman. The Spanish leader also highlighted the opportunity that this approach represents for boosting bilateral ties between the two kingdoms. To this end, as La Moncloa points out, the two leaders have agreed to create a structured framework for economic cooperation between the two governments to identify and implement investment opportunities.
The meeting between Bin Salman and Sánchez was attended by several Saudi ministers, including Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki.
Senior Spanish officials also attended, including the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and G20, Manuel de la Rocha Vázquez, and the Spanish Ambassador to Riyadh, Jorge Hevia Sierra.
Saudi Arabia is a vitally important economic partner for Spain
In the Saudi Kingdom, in addition to meeting with Bin Salman, Sánchez also held an informal meeting with several representatives of Spanish companies with the aim of listening to the concerns and interests of these companies, as well as their possible investment plans in the country.
Sánchez highlighted the opportunities offered by Vision 2030 for these companies, especially in areas such as infrastructure, energy, transport, tourism and water.
As La Moncloa recalls, Saudi Arabia is a vitally important economic partner for Spain, as it is the main destination for Spanish exports to the Middle East and Spain's main supplier in the region, as well as being the second most important destination for Spanish investment in the region. Likewise, Spanish companies have won important public works contracts in Saudi Arabia; 17,000 million in the last decade.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, Sánchez has visited Jordan and Qatar, where he will end his tour of the region.
