David McAllister, the head of the delegation of seven MEPs visiting Saudi Arabia, said on Tuesday 15 April that it was “crucial” for the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs to visit the country and “engage in further dialogue, particularly on Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a diplomatic anchor both regionally and globally”. “There is now momentum to boost the EU-Saudi Arabia strategic partnership!” he stressed in a press release.
During their stay on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 April, the MEPs discussed regional and global developments, exploring ways of strengthening cooperation.
According to the European Parliament, MEPs welcomed Riyadh’s increased role as a regional mediator and reiterated the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership, given that the EU is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner and leading foreign direct investor.
They exchanged views with the Saudi leaders on ways to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including security, energy, the green transition, digital technology, trade and investment.
The Europeans welcomed the reforms undertaken by Riyadh and stressed the importance of respecting international human rights standards. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)