July 29 2022
Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern countries arouse European interest
The EU is building ties and wants to improve relations with the GCC countries, especially with the Saudi kingdom for its work on energy development and ecological transition
Jorge Ortiz
PHOTO/FILE - European Union Foreign Affairs and Security Policy spokesman Peter Stano
Peter Stano, the European Union's (EU) chief spokesperson, has given a press conference in Brussels where he announced that Europe is prepared to strengthen its relationship with some Middle Eastern countries,
especially those belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
According to the spokesman, the two organisations share common goals and he claims that improving the relationship between the two sides could be of great benefit to all citizens of these countries.
The EU, in particular, would be interested in beginning to share ties with Saudi Arabia.
AFP/BERTRAND GUAY - French President Emmanuel Macron greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival at the Elysee Palace in Paris, 28 July 2022
"The European Union, Saudi Arabia and all the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council share an interest in developing this relationship, our cooperation," Stano said. "Our partnership is one of the EU's objectives and we want to engage more, both with the GCC and with its member states, including Saudi Arabia," he continued.
The Saudi kingdom is of interest to EU member states. The spokesperson says that Europe is ready to take further steps towards a good relationship with Saudi Arabia and is interested in cooperation in various economic areas. Stano stresses that the Kingdom's energy and ecological transition projects are being highly valued internationally, and the country's potential is being highlighted, which is why Saudi Arabia is in the sights of the European organisation.
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia is immersing itself in a revolutionary energy process. The Kingdom wants to decarbonise its industry and is developing renewable and sustainable projects that are changing its image for the better internationally.
Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of the Saudi Royal Court via REUTERS- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announces the construction of a zero-carbon city called "The Line" in NEOM, northwestern Saudi Arabia January 10, 2021
A few years ago,
the government launched an ambitious plan to tackle climate change and decarbonise the country. This was the National Renewable Energy Programme and, since then, the Saudi kingdom has been committed to photovoltaic energy and hydrogen. The latter is a great alternative to the use of hydrocarbons and can be used for any kind of transport. The country is building factories to obtain hydrogen, which would also allow it to enter a very new market.
It is also worth mentioning the Saudi Vision 2030 programme. This government strategy aims mainly to reduce the country's dependence on oil in order to diversify its economy in other sectors and promote other, more sustainable industries that will change the Kingdom's image for the better.
AFP PHOTO / NEOM- A handout image provided by Saudi Arabia's NEOM on 26 July 2022 shows the design plan for the 500-metre-high parallel structures, collectively known as The Line, at the heart of the NEOM Red Sea megacity
One of the projects under this programme is the futuristic eco-city of The Line. This city, whose design was recently announced and which is part of the
NEOM project, promises to become an example for the development of other futuristic cities because of its environmental commitment. It is a complex that will run 100% on renewable energy and blend nature with urban planning to preserve the health of its inhabitants.
Europe can take advantage of the official visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the European continent to strengthen its relationship with the Kingdom. The prince has already visited Greece and France as part of his first tour of the Old Continent, where issues such as the recent energy crisis due to the blockade of Russia and other issues to strengthen bilateral relations have been discussed.
In Greece, the prince met with the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and his entire team. The meeting resulted in the signing of several agreements on military matters, investment, and science and technology. Other highlights include the creation of a mega-project to build an undersea data cable connecting Europe and Asia to supply the continent with clean, green energy, as well as the development of other projects related to green hydrogen.
AFP/YORGOS KARAHALIS- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before their meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Athens on July 26, 2022
In France, Bin Salman met with French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting also resulted in several energy cooperation pacts, showing that Europe is on the lookout for new and reliable partners.
The EU is at a crossroads because of tensions with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The Old Continent is in search of energy alternatives to cover Russian supplies, and countries such as Saudi Arabia seem to have much to offer.
Peter Stano, the European Union's (EU) chief spokesperson, has given a press conference in Brussels where he announced that Europe is prepared to strengthen its relationship with some Middle Eastern countries, especially those belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). According to the...
atalayar.com
Saudi Arabia, France Stress Importance of Strengthening Defense Cooperation
Friday, 29 July, 2022 - 14:30
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA
Paris - Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and French President Emmanuel Macron stressed during talks they held at the Elysée Palace in Paris the need for continuous evaluation of the security and stability of the Middle East.
A final statement was issued on Friday concerning the visit of the Crown Prince to the French capital. It said the two sides discussed the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, and the means to develop them in all fields. They also exchanged views on the current regional and international developments.
The discussions also focused on ways to deepen the investment partnership between the two countries by enhancing cooperation in renewable energy - including solar and wind energy – and in clean hydrogen, and adhering to the principles of the Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
The talks touched on aspects of strategic partnerships and ways to develop them, the importance of stabilizing global energy markets, and sustaining food supplies of wheat and grains to all countries, and maintaining an abundance of supply and price stability.
The Crown Prince and Macron stressed the need for continuous evaluation of the common threats to the two sides’ interests and the security and stability of the Middle East and the importance of strengthening defense cooperation and partnership.
The talks also touched on discussing ways to develop and enhance cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern, including combating terrorism and its financing, combating all forms of crimes, and exchanging expertise and training.
They tackled the importance of resolving international disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means, adherence to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of good neighborliness, and respect for the unity and sovereignty of countries.
The French side commended the Kingdom's efforts and support for the truce in Yemen. The Kingdom's appreciation for France's support for UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis per the three references was also underscored.
They discussed the two countries' support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, and the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms. They also expressed their satisfaction with the Saudi-French Fund's efforts to support humanitarian and relief work in Lebanon per the highest standards of transparency.
The Crown Prince and Macron had common views on the need to intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, relevant international legitimacy resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, in a manner that ensures the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The talks stressed the importance of reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the territorial integrity of Syria and the safety of its people.
The two sides also touched on international efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to ensure that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, and urge Tehran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, maintain the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of the regional countries.
The Crown Prince expressed to Macron the Kingdom's appreciation for France's support for the candidacy of Riyadh to host the World Expo 2030.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and French President Emmanuel Macron stressed during talks they held at the Elysée Palace in Paris the need for continuous evaluation of the security and stability of the Middle East. A final stat
english.aawsat.com
Another diplomatic victory for MBS and KSA.
