The end of 2025 was eventful in the Diplomatic Quarter. Some activities focused on strengthening diplomatic ties, while others highlighted cultural events that fostered connections between people, reinforcing a key principle of modern diplomacy and human connections. Celebrating National Days not only honors the bilateral achievements of the embassies in the Kingdom but also promotes intercultural communication among people around the world.
The 70th Austrian National Day
Ambassador H.E. Dr. Oskar Wüstinger
“Austria is a popular destination for Saudi tourists and is becoming even more popular. This summer was marked by an impressive 34% surge in Saudi tourists. An ever-growing number of Saudi football teams regularly hold their summer camps in Austria. There is an impressive growth in bilateral trade. In 2024, Austrian exports to Saudi Arabia increased again, reaching EUR 799 million, an increase of 49% compared to the previous year. Saudi imports to Austria increased by 29% to EUR 571 million. The School of International Studies is proof of the increasing cooperation between our diplomatic academies. The number of Austrian subsidiaries in the Kingdom is growing, and several Austrian companies have opened their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia.”
The 35th Republic Day of Kazakhstan
Ambassador Madiyar Menilbekov
“Frequent high-level visits between Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan and expanding cooperation have strengthened ties across political, economic, cultural, and educational fields. Both countries are committed to continuing the development of their partnership and further enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Recalling the visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Riyadh last year for the One Water Summit and the meeting with HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, I want to highlight the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its leadership in global sustainability initiatives, while extending congratulations to the Saudi national football team for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
The 80th National Day of the Republic of Korea
Acting Ambassador H.E. Moon Byung-Jun
“We are celebrating the journey of friendship and trust that Korea and Saudi Arabia have walked together. Our cooperation extends far beyond energy and infrastructure — embracing AI and digital technology, defense, healthcare, ICT, education, and many more emerging sectors. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Korea’s innovation-driven growth strategy are now in harmony, making our two nations strategic partners for a sustainable future. Saudi Arabia is demonstrating its will to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world. Korea deeply respects and shares the Kingdom’s balanced diplomacy and responsible leadership, and looks forward to working together toward a peaceful and prosperous future for both our nations.”
The 533rd National Day of Spain
Ambassador H.E. Javier Carbajosa Sánchez
“Our close relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a source of great pride. On behalf of the Spanish government and the Spanish people, let me convey a sincere message of friendship and affection to the Saudi government and the Saudi people, and all our best wishes for peace and prosperity in the future. The connection between the two royal courts is solid, the exchange of high-level delegations is a constant, Saudi Arabia is our most important trade partner in the Gulf region, more than 80 Spanish firms operate here on the ground, and in this exciting moment of change in Saudi Arabia, with Vision 2030 as the driving force for diversification. Saudi Arabia and Spain also work together in international fora, based on our shared belief in multilateralism, and supporting joint initiatives.”
The 55th National Day of the Sultanate of Oman
Ambassador H.E. Sayyid Najeeb bin Hilal bin Saud Al-Busaidi
“On this glorious National Day, we celebrate the journey of our beloved homeland, the Sultanate of Oman under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The Sultanate of Oman has established a firm diplomatic approach grounded in positive neutrality, balance, dialogue, and respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law. I would like to reaffirm the profound historic brotherly relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which represent a model of cohesion and integration that is based on solid foundations of partnership, cooperation, understanding and joint coordination. In addition, the mutual visits between the leaders of the two brotherly countries are an extension of the brotherhood and a shared destiny as well as a supportive path of the strategic partnership and cooperation.”
The 734th National Day of the Swiss Confederation
Ambassador Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen
“Saudi Arabia and Switzerland will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Our partnership rests on mutual respect, shared interests, and a spirit of innovation. As Saudi Arabia continues its inspiring journey of rapid reform, Swiss partners are proudly accompanying these endeavors — in transport, education, culture, hospitality training, health, clean technology, fintech, and industrial development. I often hear from my Saudi friends that Switzerland is their inspiration, aspiration, and driver of innovation. This is why I am proud to see alumni of the Swiss hospitality academies shaping an industry in Saudi Arabia that is both rooted in tradition and driven by innovation. Let us hope that our shared goodwill and continuous efforts will yield results for everyone.”
The 102nd National Day of the Republic of Türkiye
Ambassador H.E. Emrullah Isler
“Relations between Türkiye and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are deeply rooted in history. At a time when our region is facing significant challenges, the alignment of views between Türkiye and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on many regional and international issues undoubtedly contributes to strengthening regional security, peace, and stability. The role played by the two countries, based on their shared sensitivities, is becoming increasingly important in achieving regional peace and prosperity on the international stage. Our economic relations are growing stronger day by day, with the volume of trade and investment between our two countries expanding across various sectors. The increasing number of tourists between our two countries, along with pilgrims and Umrah performers, further strengthens ties between our peoples.”
