RIYADH: Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, marked his first Europe Day celebration in the Kingdom, inviting fellow European nation ambassadors, Saudi foreign affairs officials, and friends of the embassy to celebrate the occasion in his residence in the diplomatic quarter.
“There is a very dynamic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the European Union,” Farnaud told Arab News.
He added: “It’s political, economic, and it’s also cultural, and since the Kingdom is in the process of this very impressive, this very spectacular transformation, it is important for us as Europeans to be present because we have strong relationships.”
Attending as guest of honor was Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El Khereiji.
Discussing Saudi-EU ties, Farnaud said: “I think it is important that we do more, and I think that the challenges of the world now, which are pandemics, economic transitions ... but also the globalization which is going on, it needs countries to have partners, reliable partners people that you know, that you can trust, and which whom you can bring solutions.
“For me as European ambassador, it is key to build on that with Saudi Arabia because I think the potential of this country is enormous and I am glad that people enjoyed tonight because it’s a good sign for the relations.”
To open the Europe Day celebration, the ambassador gave his opening remarks highlighting the bilateral ties between not only Saudi Arabia and the EU but also the wider GCC region.
Farnaud noted the multiple visits of EU officials to the region, including Josep Borrell, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, and vice president of the European Commission to the Kingdom.
“Regular exchanges foster a useful dialogue. Last January, the European Union and the GCC held their first regional security dialogue followed by a high-level forum on regional security and cooperation at a ministerial level last month in Luxembourg.
“These exchanges reflecting common views and interests for the most part are indispensable. We must work together to contribute to lasting solutions,” he said.
Europe Day is celebrated annually on May 9 in all EU member states to mark the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman which laid the foundations for the modern-day EU.
Saudi Arabia and the EU have maintained strong relations over the decades, and developed cooperation in key strategic areas and sectors.
Farnaud also highlighted Saudi Arabia and the EU’s strong trade relations, saying that the EU is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner.
Within the same day of the national day celebrations, the European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia held its inauguration with guests including Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, assistant minister of investment; and Luigi Di Maio, EU special representative for the Gulf.
