This is your first ambassadorial appointment, and you are the first ambassador of El Salvador to Saudi Arabia. How does the word “first” challenge you?
It is an honor and a privilege to be the first Ambassador of El Salvador in Saudi Arabia. Without a doubt, it represents an enormous commitment to my country and my people. My commitment has always been focused on deepening the relations of friendship and collaboration between both nations, aimed at the benefit of our peoples, with aspirations for joint development in various areas.
Please discus the diplomatic relationship between Saudi Arabia and El Salvador. What are the achievements, and where do you see the potential for growth?
El Salvador and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations on February 27, 2009. The efforts to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia, El Salvador’s main and strategic partner in the Middle East, have been continuous for many years. Saudi Arabia has supported the implementation of initiatives in areas, such as governance, social welfare, education, economic recovery, and health. The first high-level visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco took place in October 2022, at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. During this visit, important meetings were held with Saudi authorities, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Tourism, and the President of the Saudi Fund for Development.
The Salvadoran government is committed to moving towards closer, more supportive, and equal bilateral relations between the two countries. Proof of this is the opening of the Salvadoran embassy in Riyadh, inaugurated by Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco on May 2, 2024. In fact, El Salvador became the first Central American country to have an embassy in Saudi Arabia, thus helping to position and deepen alliances, strengthening the Salvadoran and Central American presence in the heart of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is also the main destination for Salvadoran exports in the Middle East region, which is why the economic, commercial and investment pillar is a shared commitment in the bilateral relationship.
What makes Saudi Arabia an important partner for El Salvador?
Saudi Arabia and El Salvador share a vision of government with a structure of values and principles that distinguishes us in our respective regions. This is mainly focused on generating conditions that lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life of our populations, with a comprehensive approach, centered on people and their needs, as well as on innovation and economic development that benefits them. Saudi Arabia is a pioneer in economic, social, and innovative transformation, and the Salvadoran government is committed to promoting trade and cooperation opportunities and expanding El Salvador’s presence in the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi economy is experiencing prosperity and growth, with extensive efforts in the implementation of economic diversification programs. Moreover, the accelerated pace of digital transformation is recognized, especially in digital infrastructure and government transformation, improving the effectiveness of the government sector.
Salvadoran government is promoting an unprecedented process of transformation aimed at improving the quality of life of our population through strategic projects with high social investment. Thus, as a government, El Salvador articulates efforts to create development opportunities for the Salvadoran population. This is where we agree with Saudi Arabia in a transformative vision that always benefits citizens. This makes Saudi Arabia an important partner; working together with strategic partners allows us to move forward in the direction we set through knowledge sharing, trade facilitation, and international cooperation.
In your opinion, what impact will Saudi Vision 2030 and Riyadh Expo 2030 have on the prosperity of the global community?
With Vision 2030, by leveraging the strengths of the Kingdom, the country’s actions are focused on taking advantage of its strategic location, in order to improve its position in international trade to connect the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Expo 2030 will position Saudi Arabia internationally, generating significant opportunities for growth, investment, and strengthening the country as an important business and tourism destination. The Kingdom it will expand on pioneering projects in the fields of sustainability, technology, and urban design. Thus, Saudi Arabia is on its way to empowering communities, improving government effectiveness and continuously improving the quality of life of its population. This will allow partner countries to learn from innovative experiences on innovation, sustainable development and trade.
Besides nature, what makes Saudi Arabia an attractive travel destination for Salvadorans? What will fascinate Saudis about El Salvador?
Saudi Arabia is celebrated for its remarkable combination of culture and innovation, promoting areas, such as religious tourism, cultural heritage sites, and tourist complexes. I would also like to highlight unique places, such as Al-Baha, with a great variety of landscapes and rich heritage, the Asir Mountains, Al-Ahsa, which houses historic mosques, and the King Abdullah Economic City. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making the country a truly attractive destination for Salvadorans and other foreign travelers.
As El Salvador Investment and Export Promotion Agency has defined, El Salvador is the country of short distances, perfect waves for surfing, and memorable sunsets on the beach or in the mountains. We are characterized by our cultural wealth, the warmth of our people, and our cuisine. El Salvador is located in the heart of America, with impressive volcanoes and tropical landscapes, but we are also the safest country in Latin America, making us a world-class tourist destination. The government of President Bukele has made an important commitment to transform the historic center of San Salvador, which will attract foreign tourists. In turn, this will strengthen the culture and art of the country, further enriching the history and heritage of this historic place. Last but not least, our people, beaches, and coffee will certainly attract Saudis.
Please share your thoughts on the Diplomatic Quarter concept.
The Diplomatic Quarter is a well-designed concept. It is consistent with the integrated development of the city and is easily accessible, bringing together all the stakeholders present there – the Saudi government, diplomatic missions and private companies – to participate in the development of the area, the community, and Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy. In terms of convenience, I would like to praise the design, combining traditional architecture, modernity and harmony with functionality.
