Envoy sees robust Saudi-Spanish ties

There is a huge potential for growth in Saudi-Spanish relations in education, tourism, energy, industries and transportation, said Spain’s newly appointed Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Joaquin Perez-Villanueva, in an interview with Arab News.
The envoy, who recently took charge, said he felt honored to represent his country in the Kingdom. “Saudi Arabia is the main player in this region. It is absolutely fascinating to be an ambassador here,” said Perez-Villanueva.
There are around 500 Saudi students in Spain and the country continues to develop this area of cooperation. There is a keen interest in learning Spanish, but Saudis can also receive their education in English.
On the economic front, 12 Spanish companies, including the management field, are operating in the Kingdom. Spain has landed a railway project in Saudi Arabia that involves huge investment.
The envoy also spoke of his country’s vital role in creating an interfaith dialogue. “King Abdullah talked to the Spanish king in 2000. Both monarchs signed a document declaring their intention to create the KAICIID (the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue).
“We were instrumental in implementing King Abdullah’s initiative. I think it was a very important step designed mainly to prove that the so-called clash of civilizations between Islam and the West is false. It is not true and is not going to happen,” he stressed.
The ambassador dwelt on the current economic situation in Spain and said his country is moving in the right direction. “We expect the growth to return next year. The bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia is not as large as we would like it to be, but in terms of export, it has increased by 30 percent in 2011-2012."