عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Interviews

Riyadh, Madrid to Develop Economic Cooperation, Military Industries

Spanish Ambassador to Asharq Al-Awsat: Joint Committee Scheduled to be Held in Spain on October 20

Spanish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jorge Hevia Sierra (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Spanish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jorge Hevia Sierra (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Riyadh, Madrid to Develop Economic Cooperation, Military Industries

Spanish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jorge Hevia Sierra (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Spanish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jorge Hevia Sierra (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Spanish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jorge Hevia Sierra said that his country was seeking to strengthen its strategic partnership with Riyadh, noting that a joint committee was scheduled to be held in Spain on Oct. 20 to review the development of bilateral economic relations.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Sierra pointed to the presence of a joint defense committee, which is working on the development of a memorandum of understanding to promote cooperation in this field.

He said that many non-organizational agreements were signed in 2018, including an executive program for cultural cooperation, in addition to a memorandum of understanding on scientific and technological cooperation, and another MOU in the field of labor and social development.

“The joint statement issued on the occasion of the Crown Prince’s visit to Spain in 2018 refers to the strong partnership between our two countries,” Sierra said, stressing that the statement would represent the basis for “advancing our bilateral relations, with a special focus on the contribution that Spain can make in achieving Vision 2030.”

The ambassador emphasized the depth of the special fraternal relationship between the Spanish and Saudi royal families, which in a way frames the good dialogue between the two governments and facilitates the unique nature of the relations between the two cultures.

On areas of cooperation and agreements concluded between the two countries, Sierra said: “Through the General Cooperation Agreement of 2007, our two countries agreed to strengthen friendly relations and historical ties between their citizens, as well as to enhance bilateral cooperation. In this context, a joint committee was established and has met twice so far, in 2014 and 2018.”

He noted that around 80 Spanish companies were present in the Saudi market, covering various sectors, including the military industry, oil and refineries, combined technologies and water infrastructure, construction, infrastructure and consultancy.

Regarding the trade balance, Sierra said that merchandise exports closed last year with an approximate value of 1.9 billion euros (6.9 billion riyals), an increase of nearly 10 percent compared to 2020, while the main exported goods include machinery, mechanical equipment, ceramics and electrical appliances.

Imports, according to the Spanish ambassador, amounted to 2.9 billion euros (10.5 billion riyals), an increase of 30 percent compared to 2020, and covered fuels, in addition to mineral oils, organic chemical products, plastics and their products.

As for the volume of investments, he said that the balance of investments amounted to 483 million euros (1.7 billion riyals) for the year 2020, mainly concentrated in the crude oil and natural gas extraction sector.

The balance of Saudi investments in Spain amounted to 917 million euros (3.3 billion riyals), concentrated mainly in the sectors of oil refining, air transport, and real estate activities.

The ambassador highlighted the Saudi-Spanish cooperation in the military industry, noting that the Kingdom was a strategic partner in the region, as about 30 Spanish companies participated in the last edition of the World Defense Exhibition in Riyadh.

Spanish companies are interested in long-term partnerships in the Saudi market, which is evident through the establishment of joint ventures between SAMI and Airbus, he stated.

Most Viewed

 
 
Interviews

UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.