BY ALEXANDER WOODMAN
“The world can learn more from Saudi Arabia than Saudi Arabia can learn from the world.” – Ambassador Alfredo Miranda
From 2017 to 2019, His Excellency Alfredo Miranda was the Mexican Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Currently, Ambassador Miranda is serving in Washington, D.C., and I had the incredible opportunity to meet with him. We discussed some of his reflections and thoughts about Saudi Arabia after he left the Kingdom.
Can you reminisce about your arrival in the Kingdom as the Ambassador of Mexico? Please discuss the time you spent there, and what it was like when you left.
I arrived in the Kingdom on January 31st 2017. On April 4th of the same year, I was received by HRH Prince Saud bin Abdul Muhsin Al Saud, the Governor of Hail, who invited me to visit the Hail region. The privilege of seeing Saudi Arabia within its interior created a new perspective for me. For me, a country and its people cannot be fully comprehended unless one can experience it first-hand and in person. I found that the spirit that lies within the heart of every Saudi family overflows with culture, tradition, and hospitality.
In addition to my diplomatic mission and the job responsibilities I had as the representative of Mexico in the Kingdom, I was allowed to enter deeper into the world of traditions and customs. At every familial gathering, I attended with my Saudi friends and every sightseeing trip we embarked on, gave me a better understanding of this unique culture. Even the language barrier, which was often present, could not diminish the intensity that this experience had on my cultural curiosity.
Eventually, my time in the Kingdom came to an end on July 10th, 2019. I left the Kingdom feeling enriched culturally and emotionally, along with a host of many other positive feelings.
During the time of your appointment, what would you say were the main achievements of the Mexican embassy in the Kingdom?
My diplomatic journey was quite rewarding, as well. My time in the Kingdom allowed me, as the representative of the Mexican embassy, to establish excellent relationships with various foreign and local officials. It is important to emphasize how I saw the development of international cooperation, partnership, and simple mutual connections, which occurred at a pace similar to the direct cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
I participated in two very productive meetings with King Salman, where he spoke to us about the future of Saudi Arabia and the importance of strengthening bilateral partnerships with geographically distant countries. Ongoing projects were completed, and startup projects were put into action, a natural workflow for an embassy. It is safe to say that the bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Mexico will continue to move forward at a steady and reliable pace.
On a personal note, what did you learn and take with you from the time spent in Saudi Arabia and within the Saudi society?
A question that is as multifaceted as this one may require answers on several different levels. Personally, and professionally, I gained a great deal from my time in Saudi Arabia. As a diplomat, one’s job in a foreign land is focused on relationship development, cooperation, and cultural exchange. As one of the most prominent players in the current climate of the world, Saudi Arabia adds an additional layer of professional interest to anyone who works there. To deal with the weight of the responsibility that the Kingdom carries in the international arena, one’s actions in the region must be professional and thorough. Aside from work done on the G20, Saudi Arabia has exhibited significant leadership qualities by acting upon changes within its internal development.
I believe that many international players still fail to recognize Saudi’s rapid ascent towards more progression, advancement, and reformation. This has, in turn, resulted in a more positive influence on the Middle Eastern region and the world, in general.
As previously mentioned, Mexico and Saudi Arabia are geographically situated at a distance from each other. However, the mutually cooperative relationship that they have built will undoubtedly contribute to the betterment of both countries. This comes from a secure and efficient assimilation of beliefs from both sides.
It may sound complicated given the distance, yet the observable similarities between Mexican and Saudi people have become a catalyst for the partnership. Ironically, there are even some physical similarities between the two nations! The famous Mexican saying “mi casa es su casa” (“my home is your home”) is a confirmation of the concept of generosity, which both countries share.
The final point worth mentioning might be viewed as controversial by some, but it stems from personal experience, similar to most of the information in this interview. How Saudi society operates internally is a valuable learning lesson. This is evidenced by the apparent success rate that the system carries as a philosophical doctrine.
The core of Saudi society are women. Mothers are the nucleus of the family with the responsibility of raising, nurturing, and educating the children, the future generation. With the continual changes and advancements taking place each day, women must repeatedly prove their ability to create and raise productive, caring, and intelligent members of society. They must apply what they have learned from their families and use it in their professional lives. The everyday progress of Saudi Arabia has been led by these hard-working women, whose determination and intelligence continue to nurture generations of leaders, change makers, and innovators!
Upon reflection, what would you wish for the future of the Saudi society?
Recently, we have been thrust into life amidst a global pandemic, which has scared, damaged, and killed thousands of people every day. Even though during these past months, the world has had to adapt to an abrupt lifestyle change, the situation remains unpredictable and sadly still very dangerous. In an attempt to find something useful within the debris of this tragedy may seem somewhat cynical. However, since most things are not in our control, finding something positive might bring the world closer together internationally. It might also remind people that because of this deadly pandemic, we can step back and see that there are more significant problems than territorial wars and political quarreling. It is time to refocus and decide what is really important in this world.
I hope that the Saudi society can overcome these challenges without feeling that all is lost, and they have to sacrifice a small piece of their soul. Life is complicated now; touching, hugging, and kissing is one of the main symbols of affection in both Saudi and Mexican cultures. Hopefully, life will return to ‘normal’ soon. However, before that happens, I wish them strength, good health, and endurance until we get past these difficult times.
What is your vision for the 2020 G20 Riyadh Summit?
Since Saudi Arabia assumed the Presidency of the G20 in December 2019, the Leaders’ Summit in Riyadh has been a highly anticipated event in the International arena. Undoubtedly, Saudi Arabia has a well-constructed agenda, which many are interested in hearing about and contributing to when needed. They are working to develop an extensive infrastructure, which will help implement many of the touristic campaigns in a newly formed and efficient manner. I believe that the world has more to learn about Saudi Arabia and its people and should not miss the opportunity to do so.
