Ireland and Saudi Arabia are two countries that appear very different in terms of size, history, climate and natural resources. Nevertheless we share more things in common than many people would believe. Our views on all the major issues of international relations are remarkably like-minded — in particular our firm commitment to international peace, to nuclear disarmament and to achieving a just and comprehensive solution of the Palestinian issue. Our mutual attachment to free market economics and traditional values also underline the similarities in our approach to creating a prosperous and conflict-free international community.
In addition, differences in our physical geography and natural resources allow us to offer goods and services to each other which are complementary rather than competitive. Thus high quality beef and dairy produce from Ireland have a long history of supply to the discerning Saudi market. In more recent years, Ireland has been a significant source of products at the cutting edge of modern technology, particularly in the fields of software and computing, pharmaceuticals and bio-engineering. At a time when much of the rest of the world is experiencing a period of severe financial downturn and recession, the boldly ambitious development plans set out by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in recent budgets have offered hope and inspiration to many countries where the economic criteria are less favorable. Ireland stands ready therefore to play its part in providing the Kingdom with some of the products and expertise which will be needed to turn these truly audacious development plans into a reality.
Perhaps even more important than direct trade in recent years has been the human interchange between our two countries as increasing numbers of Saudi students travel to Ireland for their third-level education. For their part, Irish professionals are continuing to come to the Kingdom to offer their services in the fields of medicine, education, architectural design and project management.
I look forward also to the day when Ireland will become a holiday destination of choice for Saudi tourists of all ages and from every strand of society. The Irish climate and landscape with its lakes, mountains and rugged seashores is indeed very different from that of the Arabian Peninsula. If only for that reason, I am confident that Ireland and its long-standing reputation for warm hospitality to foreigners will attract increasing numbers of Saudi tourists over the coming years. There can be no better way to promote mutual understanding and friendship.
