A high-level Saudi delegation, led by HE Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal F. Alibrahim, has concluded its visit to Lisbon, marking the successful sixth session of the Saudi-Portuguese Joint Committee.
Attended by several key Saudi ministries, government entities and members of the private sector, the visit saw the signing of various agreements aimed at fostering economic and trade cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Portuguese Republic.
The two-day agenda, including the Portuguese-Saudi Investment Forum, delved into crucial investment opportunities in both nations, featuring opening remarks by HE Alibrahim and his Portuguese counterpart, HE António Costa Silva, Minister of Economy and Maritime Affairs. Additionally, numerus bilateral meetings were conducted with senior government officials, resulting in the signing of various agreements to strengthen economic collaboration.
Among the key agreements was the Air Transport Services Agreement, which HE signed on behalf of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, as well as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation. It aims to establish scheduled international air services that prioritize safety, security, trade exchange, consumer welfare, and mutual economic growth.
Furthermore, acting on behalf of the Saudi Food & Drug Authority, HE also signed a memorandum of understanding with Portugal’s National Authority of Medicines and Health Products. This initiative seeks to enhance collaboration in regulating drugs, medical devices, supplies, and cosmetics.
Notably, an additional memorandum of understanding was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, alongside Portugal’s Minister of Economy and Maritime Affairs, HE António Costa Silva. The agreement aims to intensify cooperation and efforts toward achieving sustainable tourism development through joint investments, events, and professional training.
The active participation of several senior public sector representatives from both countries characterized the 6th session of the Saudi-Portuguese Joint Committee. Discussions revolved around future initiatives and enhancing private-sector partnerships between the two countries.
The Saudi delegation included entities from various ministries and authorities, such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Media, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, General Authority for Civil Aviation, Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, Saudi Center for International Strategic Partnerships, Public Investment Fund, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and Federation of Saudi Chambers.
Formal diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Portuguese Republic were established in 1980 with the opening of Portugal’s embassy in Saudi Arabia, while the Kingdom established a diplomatic mission in Lisbon in 1995. In 2006, a General Agreement on Cooperation was signed, further solidifying the bilateral ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Portuguese Republic.
