European Union Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, and Sultanate of Oman
The European Union (EU) Delegation to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman is a fully accredited diplomatic mission that covers a wide range of areas including political relations, security, trade and culture. The EU Delegation’s diverse team, led by the Head ofDelegation, His Excellency Christophe Farnaud, promotes the development of the partnerships between the EU and the Gulf, both at the regional (GCC) and bilateral level, in all fields. Such multi-level became a true motivation for meeting with the new Head of the Delegation, H.E. Christophe Farnaud, and reflect on the current events in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia.
Please, discuss the current state of achievements and challenges in Saudi-EU relations?
The EU-Saudi relations are excellent and dynamic. We have a constructive political dialogue with our Saudi partners and we seek to enhance our economic exchanges. The EU is the second largest trade partner of Saudi Arabia, amounting to 20.9% imports in the Kingdom and to 4.9% of its exports in 2021. We have a lot of common interests. As this region and the world are faced with more and more challenges and threats, cooperation with the Kingdom is key for us.
In 2023, the European Union nominated a Special Representative for the Gulf, Luigi di Maio, who is actively working for strengthening our cooperation with all the Gulf Cooperation Council states, in particular Saudi Arabia. In the economic field, let me give you two examples. In October 2023, we organized the first European Union-Saudi Investment Foum, which aimed at growing a further boost for our economic relations. We currently work with our Saudi interlocutors towards opening an European Chamber of Commerce in the Kingdom.
What were the objectives of the European Union-Saudi Investment Foum? Why and in what areas should the Saudis invest in the European Union and vice versa?
This event was the first of its kind. It was a success, with around 1500 participants attending, and officials from both the EU and Saudi sides committing to developing our economic and business relations. The Saudi economy is expanding at a fast pace and going through major reforms. European companies are interested in contributing to these changes. Through the Saudi-EU Investment Forum, we build the bridge between European and Saudi companies interested in mutual investments, knowledge transfer and innovation. The presence and support by the Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič, and the EU Special Representative for the Gulf, Luigi Di Maio, showed our political commitment to work towards enhanced economic partnerships with our Saudi friends.
You arrived in Saudi Arabia when it was already halfway towards Vision 2030. What would be your remarks on this ambitious path of the Kingdom?
These spectacular changes are one of the reasons why I wanted to be here. Saudi Arabia is on a fast-paced progress on all aspects of life, always looking ahead for transformation, while also keeping a unique balance between tradition and modernity. From economy, to tourism and culture, all sectors in the Kingdom are infused with novelty and innovation. We commend Saudi Arabia for its ambitious vision, backed by untired efforts towards achieving economic diversification.
Since the launch of Vision 2030, a growing number of European citizens have come to Saudi Arabia to work in the Kingdom and maintain business-to-business relations between European and Saudi organizaitons. We will continue to support further trade cooperation between European and Saudi entities. I am impressed by the fact that some results have already reached beyond the initial targets: look in particular at the employment of women. This is a very strong and positive sign.
One of the goals of Vision 2030 is an oil-diversified economy. What would you say is Saudi Arabia’s main asset besides oil?
The main asset of Saudi Arabia is its people. What strikes me is its drive towards progress and innovation, and a smart approach towards using its natural resources. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is well positioned and has an intimate understanding of the energy sector. This goes beyond oil, look at the success of the recent Future Mineral Forum. Saudi Arabia is a vast country and it has many resources, which can help diversify and make supply chains more resilient. This is particularly important, given that the twin challenges of energy transition and digital transformation require a whole range of different minerals and materials.
Apart from the legends and beauty of Europe, why should Saudis visit any European country? What makes Saudi Arabia attractive for the Europeans?
In a way, I would say that we all have to honour our past and present and future. And visiting both Saudi Arabia and Europe would help for that. Both the European Union and Saudi Arabia have much to offer in terms of touristic opportunities. Rich in history, natural diversity, as well as modern novelties, both areas make a must exploring option. However, apart from the touristic value of both areas, the real merit of having more Saudis visiting the European Union countries and more Europeans visiting the Kingdom is in creating human connexions between the two regions. Visiting also means getting to know each other’s culture, values, traditions and visions for the future, and this is something we need to support and practice globally.
With a wide range of natural sites and historical heritages, Europe is home to different cultural, linguistic and technological traditions. These create a very diverse, yet harmonious scene, which offers something to explore and enjoy to any visitor: from ancient ruins, to modern art museums, mountain peaks, sandy beaches and vibrant commercial areas.
Saudi Arabia is home to a very long history whose legacy can be admired today at Alula ruins dating back to the 6th Century BC, at Al Diriyah Heritage Village where the first Saudi state was born and or at Rijal Almaa village, to mention just a few. The significant role played by the cities of Mekkah and Medinah for Muslims around the world is a unique feature of the Kingdom, which makes Saudi Arabia a gateway to understanding and discovering the rich Islamic history and culture.
In addition to its rich past, the Kingdom is now embarked on an incredible journey towards transformation, merging the new and the old in a distinctive way. Ambitious technological and sports-related projects are making more and more people in Europe curious about the new Saudi Arabia. This creates a perfect platform for hosting Expo2030. Visitors from all over the world will have the chance to discover this unique mix of modern and traditional, the archetype of a globalized world.
