In January 2022, H.E. Nuno Mathias was appointed as the Ambassador of Portugal to Saudi Arabia. A career-diplomat, H.E. Mathias joined the diplomatic service in 1993. Before the appointment in the Kingdom, Ambassador Mathias served as Deputy Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations in New York, NY. The Ambassador has also served in Washington, DC and Mozambique.
What will be your remarks on the achievements of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Portugal over these four decades? As a newly appointed ambassador, how do you see the way forward?
We all know the relevance of the past to help us inform the future. I believe this is also valid regarding nations. The relationship between Portugal and Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in their shared heritage, so it would be reductive to only look at it since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1980. I intend first and foremost to explore this shared heritage, that brings two countries closer, and implement a lot of what has been done, especially within the scope of our Joint Bilateral Commission.
Before coming to Saudi Arabia, I had the pleasure to meet H.R.H. Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdul Aziz the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Portugal, and I know that we share the same enthusiasm and commitment to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Upon my arrival to KSA, I was quickly faced with a contrasting reality, showcased in the recent social and economic transformations, and soon realised the endless opportunities associated with the Vision 2030. “We are only limited by our own energies” was early advice that I received from a Saudi friend on how to strengthen our bilateral relations.
Among many of those opportunities that lie ahead, the launching of direct flights between Lisbon and Riyadh would undoubtably constitute an important milestone in bridging the two countries closer together.
Please, discuss the economic, social, and investment opportunities presented by the Saudi-Portuguese Joint Committee. Why should Saudi entrepreneurs invest in Portugal? Where do you see investment opportunities for Portuguese entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia?
The latest Saudi-Portuguese Joint Committee took place a year ago, thus culminating in the Fifth session since its creation in 2014. As in previous editions, it allowed us to clearly identify areas of increased mutual collaboration. This time, we decided to focus on the fields of education, agriculture, infrastructure and energy, tourism and industry.
None withstanding those specific areas, I believe Portugal has a lot to offer for Saudi investors through the access to European markets (more than 500 million people), connection to Portuguese-speaking markets (260 million people), stable democracy; 3rd most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. In addition, Portugal is the 21st country in the world with better infrastructure, according to the Global Competitiveness Report. It has attractive incentives for foreign investors, a highly-qualified labour force, immigrant friendly environment, to name just a few privileges.
As for the Portuguese entrepreneurs’ perspective in the Saudi market, I believe that they may contribute and invest in KSA mainly in the fields of ICT, start-ups, and tourism. Portugal has a well-diversified economy with a long industrial tradition and companies with a strong practice of establishing abroad. Hence, Portuguese companies in agro-food, textiles, construction, engineering, machinery, or other industries can play an important role to that end.
Saudi Arabia is on its way to economic transformation through Vision 2030. What are the assets of Portugal that can contribute to the modernization and diversification of Saudi economy?
The Saudi Vision 2030 is a unique transformative economic and social reform framework that is opening Saudi Arabia up to the world and we want to be part of it. I believe that Portugal could bring in added value in know-how and best practices in many areas. The most obvious one is renewable energies, where we have developed the most advanced and efficient technologies. But also in other fields, such as start-up policy, public administration modernization or innovation policy. Over the next years, we will continue to host the Web Summit, Europe’s largest tech event, where we have early Saudi participants.
Finally, I would remiss myself if I did not mention that Portugal is co-hosting with Kenya, the United Nations Ocean Conference which will be held in Lisbon, from 27 June to 1 July 2022. In order to generate greater awareness, in partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator and the Kenyan Ambassador, I have initiated and organized the “Riyadh Blue Talk” (May 24th). Considering the valuable contributions and efforts of Saudi Arabia to the conservation of marine environment at the national, regional and global levels, the “Riyadh Blue Talk” is an opportunity for the national stakeholders to exchange knowledge and solutions to solve pressing challenges.
Tourism Strategy 2027 aims to position Portugal as one of the world’s most competitive and sustainable destinations. Vision 2030 aims to make the Kingdom a leading tourism destination. What makes Portugal attractive for Saudis, and what will Portuguese discover in the Kingdom?
Indeed, the World Tourism Organization puts Portugal on the 20th Top Tourism Destination in the World and the 6th in European Union (EU). With the 3rd most spoken Western language in the World we have been able to attract yearly more and more tourists. Lisbon is becoming a tech hub for millennials priced out of London and New York.
Our strategy and investment in the tourism sector has evolved and is now geared towards sustainability. We think this can serve as a role-model for many cities across the world, demonstrating clearly that sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand.
Portugal is a medium-size country with an exceptional range of different landscapes, lots of leisure activities, and a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and modernity blend together in perfect harmony. This “concentrated” diversity, accessible within short driving distances, is Portugal’s uniqueness.
Regarding Saudi Arabia, I only have been here for 4 short months, and I have yet to unlock its full touristic potential. Having said that and taking into consideration the pattern of tourist destinations and activities chosen by my fellow countrymen, I would dare to say that Saudi Arabia fits the profile. It is an undiscovered country with a wide array of activities from culture to adventure, family and lifestyle activities that will attract a lot of Portuguese tourists, and will benefit from greater exposure in Portuguese travel guides.
Similar to Saudi Arabia, Portugal has developed a distinctive culture and traditional values influenced by various civilizations. What are your thoughts on preserving the cultural identity and authenticity of the nation in this era of globalization?
As I stated in the beginning of our conversation the past informs our future. Therefore, we should all strive to preserve our cultural identities and specificities in so far that they represent the singularity of our humanity. We can only benefit from distinctive culture and traditional values in an ever more globalized world.
A good example is the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), united by a historical heritage, a common language and by a shared vision of the future. I am delighted to be able to share the culture of the CPLP with my colleagues the Ambassadors of Angola, Brazil, Equatorial-Guinea, Guiné-Bissau, and Mozambique in Riyadh.
Another example is the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), that aims at promoting dialogue and understanding among different religions and cultures, that will be relocating to Lisbon.
