RIYADH, 15 April 2008 — The European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighborhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, yesterday held talks with several Saudi leaders and reviewed a number of issues of common interest.

Ferrero-Waldner, who arrived here earlier in the day on the first leg of regional tour to explore the scope of further engagement between the EU and the region, met with Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Abdullah Al-Hussayen, minister of water and electricity, and Ali Al-Naimi, minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

During the course of her discussions with ministers, she dwelt on areas of common interest such as the relations between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the situation in the broader region and how to support mutual understanding, and closer cooperation in areas such as education, environment and research.

Ferrero-Waldner said: “The importance of the Gulf region for the EU is evident in all areas including economic and trade relations and of course also foreign policy and energy. The fields of common interests are growing constantly. It is time for us to be more ambitious about our relations, to the advantage of our countries and citizens.”

Strengthening energy cooperation between the EU and Gulf countries will be high on her agenda during the Gulf tour which will also take her to Bahrain and Qatar.

During her talks with Al-Naimi, both parties reviewed aspects of cooperation in various spheres including researches on energy and environment, the rationalization of energy, and the reduction of emissions. They also discussed issues pertaining to the petroleum market.

Ferrero-Waldner said: “Energy security is on top of the EU foreign policy agenda. The role of the Gulf region in the security of energy supplies is obvious. We have a mutual interest in developing our energy partnership. The EU is a huge market for hydrocarbon electricity and renewable energy from the Gulf.”

She joins today King Abdul Aziz Science and Technology (KACST) President Dr. Mohammed Al-Souayil in inaugurating the 7th Framework Program for Research and Technological Development.

Later in the day, she will leave for Bahrain. She is also scheduled to visit Qatar, which currently holds the presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council.