On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, participated in the official ceremony of the opening of the Republic of Cyprus’s presidency of the Council of the European Union for the period from January to June 2026, in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia.
High-level international presence
The ceremony was attended by a wide diplomatic contingent, including leaders and heads of state from several EU member states, as well as high-level representatives from international governments and regional and global organizations. This attendance reflects the great importance the international community attaches to the role of the European Union in current global issues, and the hopes placed on the Cypriot presidency to advance joint cooperation during its term.
Strengthening the strategic partnership between the Kingdom and the European Union
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's participation in this important international forum reflects the wise leadership's commitment to strengthening and developing bilateral and multilateral relations with the European Union and its member states. The Kingdom views the European Union as a key strategic partner in numerous vital areas, including regional security, energy, trade, investment, and addressing climate challenges.
Through these participations, the Kingdom seeks to affirm its pivotal role as an active force on the international stage, and a bridge for communication between East and West, in a way that serves the interests of international security and peace.
The importance of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union
The presidency of the Council of the European Union is of particular importance, as the presiding country assumes responsibility for leading the Council's work, setting agendas, coordinating policies among member states, and representing the Council in relations with other EU institutions. The Cypriot presidency presents an opportunity to strengthen stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region and to develop economic and political cooperation with the EU's southern neighbors, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Saudi diplomacy and Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia's presence at such major events aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to build strong and diverse global partnerships. Saudi diplomacy is actively working to deepen ties of friendship and cooperation with various international entities, contributing to sustainable development and the exchange of expertise across diverse fields. This underscores the Kingdom's prominent position within the G20 and its positive influence on global decision-making.
