Today Germans are celebrating the 14th anniversary of regaining their national unity.
For me personally, it is the second time I celebrate the anniversary in Riyadh. During my assignment in the Kingdom I have experienced that Saudi Arabia and Germany enjoy long and traditionally close political and economic relations — in fact exactly 75 years since the signature of the friendship treaty between Germany and the Kingdom of Hejaz, Najd and dependencies. The excellent character of our bilateral ties was reflected during landmark visits of Crown Prince Abdullah to Germany in June 2001 and the visit of German Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to Riyadh in October 2003. These visits have given a strong impulse to our relations and have been followed by further visits of high-ranking visitors from Germany such as the Federal Minister of the Interior Otto Schily or Vice President of the German Parliament Dr. Norbert Lammert to the Kingdom in May 2004.
In addition to the political and economic aspects of our cooperation I would like to stress in today’s address the fact that the German government has put special efforts in boosting the cultural cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Germany. I am pleased to note that the Arab World will be the Guest of Honor of the Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest book fair worldwide starting only three days from now. “Visions of the Future” are promised by the Arab World for its appearance at the fair. The directors of the Arab participation program have set themselves some ambitious goals in making a sustained contribution to the task of promoting dialogue between the Arab World and the West. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will send a large and highly prominent delegation consisting of government officials, intellectuals and businessmen to the Frankfurt Book Fair. I am looking forward to meeting with them before their departure to Germany.
Furthermore, Germany has made continuous efforts in promoting the option for young Saudis to study at German universities. Germany has always been renowned for its academic excellency. Since the introduction of internationally acknowledged BA and MA degrees and the possibility to study in mediums other than German, namely in English, the aim of obtaining a German university certificate has become more attractive to students from all over the world. In order to attract more Saudi students to study in Germany a delegation by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) visited Riyadh and Jeddah in March and held meetings with the Ministry of Higher Education, universities and the chambers of commerce.
I am confident that our efforts will be fruitful and our nations stand united to meet current and future challenges — also and namely in these difficult times which our countries and societies are going through. It is in this spirit that I send my heartful greetings and best wishes to all, Germans and friends of Germany, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.