RIYADH, 3 October 2004 — German Ambassador Dr. Gerhard Enver Schrombgens has said that his embassy is engaged in efforts to relax conditions that would facilitate admission of Saudi students to German universities at the graduate level. Presently, post-graduate level studies are allowed.
He said a representative of Saudi universities had visited Germany recently on behalf of the Saudi Council of Higher Education to explore the possibilities of pursuing higher education in Germany with English as the medium of instruction.
“We are exploring the possibility of enabling them to seek admission at the graduation level and also offering scholarships to Saudis,” he observed.
In an interview, the ambassador discussed a wide range of subjects — from bilateral trade to terrorism and tourism. There was a slight drop in Germany’s imports from the Kingdom from 957 million euros to 844 million euros between 2002 and 2003, while its exports to the Kingdom also had a slight fall from 3.4 billion euros to 3.2 billion euros during the same period.
On the impact of the wave of terrorist attacks in the Kingdom, he said that compared to those who left the Kingdom during the summer vacation there had been a slight drop in the number that returned. Overall, bilateral trade remained more or less stable with some minor fluctuation.
However, he pointed out, this had more to do with the appreciation of the euro vis-à-vis the dollar than with the 9/11 events. “It also indicates that business is going on as usual.”
He said the fact that the Saudi delegation led by Minister of Finance Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf had a 30-member delegation, while the German side was represented by 60 delegates, shows that German interest in the Kingdom remains high despite the security concerns.
Asked about the outcome of the Saudi-German Joint Economic Commission meeting held in Germany, Dr. Gerhard said the German side was interested in cooperation in the field of technology, environmental protection and railroad transportation, where Germany is particularly strong.
“We are interested in the railroad project and are waiting for the tenders to be floated,” he said.
The ambassador said an emerging trend in Saudi-German relations was the increase in the number of Saudis going to Germany for medical treatment.
“An increasing number of men and women are going to Germany for medical treatment in Germany. They go with their families. While the men may be at the hospital, the members of their family may go out to do some sight-seeing.”
Elaborating on the ambassador’s statement, Thomas F. Schneider, counselor for political and cultural affairs, said that of the total number of 11,000 visas that were issued last year, 2,000 were for medical treatment.