The Saudi ambassador highlights the ‘extraordinary political and economic relations’ between Spain and Saudi Arabia, and outlines the milestones of Vision 2030
- Spain-Saudi Arabia relations
- Vision 2030
- Green Initiative
- Saudi Arabia, a global tourist destination
‘Let's dream together and make it happen together’. These were the closing words of the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Spain, Princess Haifa Bint Abdulaziz Al Mogrin, during the reception held on 23 September in Madrid to celebrate the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Kingdom.
The Saudi National Day festivities, which had the slogan ‘We dream, we achieve’, served as a headline to frame a speech focused on the political, economic and friendly relations between Saudi Arabia and Spain, and on the main milestones achieved in the ambitious Saudi plan known as Vision 2030.
Spain-Saudi Arabia relations
Beginning with Hispano-Arab relations, the Ambassador highlighted ‘the extraordinary historical relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Spain, which have just passed the 75th anniversary. Bilateral relations have grown in all aspects, clearly reflected in the solid political ties and expanding economic relations’.
As a sign of this positive evolution, since the launch of Vision 2030, the number of agreements and MOUs between Spain and Saudi Arabia has doubled, and the presence of Spanish companies in the Kingdom and of Saudi companies in Spain has also increased. According to the data offered by the ambassador, Saudi investment in Spain has more than doubled, while Spanish investment in the Kingdom has increased by a factor of 30.
In terms of tourism, relations between the two countries have also increased significantly: the number of Saudi tourists visiting Spain has doubled compared to 2019 and the number of Spanish tourists visiting Saudi Arabia has doubled in just one year.
In the words of Princess Haifa Bint Abdulaziz, ‘we deeply value and appreciate these positive relations in all fields and look forward to continuing our cooperation to achieve the shared interests and prosperity of both nations, to contribute to regional and global peace and security’.
The Ambassador took the opportunity to thank Spain for its recognition of the State of Palestine, ‘a courageous and historic decision’.
Vision 2030
Naturally, part of the ambassador's speech focused on the ambitious Vision 2030 plan, launched by Saudi Arabia to develop its economy and reduce dependence on oil-related revenues.
According to the ambassador, ‘this plan rests on three pillars: a vibrant society, an ambitious nation and a prosperous economy, and was launched and inspired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, under the leadership of the guardian of the two holy mosques, King Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz’.
The plan involves the implementation of a series of ambitious programmes and initiatives, which the ambassador outlined in her speech to the many ambassadors from Arab, European and American countries who gathered at the Intercontinental Hotel in Madrid.
Among the many projects included in the Vision 2030 plan, the ambassador mentioned NEOM, a futuristic city that represents a new model of sustainability; Trojena, a new global destination for mountain tourism, which combines natural landscapes with urban development; The Line, a city powered 100% by renewable energy, which redefines the model of the city of the future, free of carbon emissions and based on sustainability and innovation; Amaala, a unique coastal destination based on sustainable practices to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity; the Red Sea Project, which stretches along the Kingdom's west coast and includes more than 90 pristine islands, pristine beaches, dormant volcanoes and coral reefs.
Green Initiative
Sustainability is at the heart of the Vision 2030 plan. In this regard, the Saudi ambassador explained the so-called Saudi Green Initiative, ‘an ambitious national plan to plant 10 billion trees to combat climate change, improve the quality of life and protect the environment for the benefit of future generations’.
In assessing the extent to which the plan has been achieved, Princess Haifa Bint Abdulaziz explained that ‘at the halfway point of our Vision 2030 plan, and in the eighth year, we are reaching our targets ahead of schedule. For example, the contribution of non-oil sectors reached 50% of gross domestic product in 2023, its highest level ever. In addition, women's participation in the labour market has more than doubled since the launch of Vision 2030’.
In addition to designating around 20% of the country's land area as protected areas, and rehabilitating endangered animal species such as the iconic Arabian leopard (the only big cat in the Arabian Peninsula), the Kingdom has contributed to reducing carbon emissions by exporting clean ammonia to several countries for power generation, and aims to become the world's largest supplier of hydrogen by 2030.
Saudi Arabia, a global tourist destination
The plan also promotes Saudi Arabia's role as a global tourism destination, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and its capital Riyadh as the site of Expo 2030, ‘which will mobilise international resources to achieve a sustainable future for humanity’.
‘We dream and we make it happen. Today we celebrate the 94th anniversary of the founding of our nation, a land of generosity and loyalty. 94 years since its birth, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the sons of this land, under the leadership of our wise leaders, always committed to the welfare and progress of our Kingdom in all fields,’ concluded the Ambassador.
The reception was attended by numerous representatives of the embassies of various countries in Spain, such as Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Qatar, the Arab League, Algeria and Iraq, as well as representatives of the State Security Forces and Corps, businessmen and members of public and private organisations.