A former Spanish ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Pablo Bravo, told Arab News that the accession to the throne of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman is encouraging news for his country and the Spanish people living in Saudi Arabia.

In a telephone conversation, Bravo, the only Spanish diplomat to have served twice in Saudi Arabia, said that Spain’s major media outlets had closely monitored the succession that reflects the interest and importance of Saudi Arabia for Spain and its people.

“A new era has begun with Prince Salman as the new king. It is worth noting the smooth transition which guarantees stability in Saudi-Spanish ties,” he said from his home in Spain.

He said he was optimistic about the future prospects of Saudi-Spanish relations. “The most significant event of my diplomatic career in Saudi Arabia was to have decisively assisted in obtaining the biggest contract signed abroad by a Spanish company: the AVE Makkah-Madinah project at a cost of 6.736 billion euros,” he said.

Reflecting on his friendship with King Salman, the former envoy said: “King Salman’s ascension to the throne is very encouraging news not only for Spain but also at a personal level.”

“I have witnessed his affection and the very special fraternal relationship he shares with King Juan Carlos and King Felipe VI who has visited the Kingdom on a number of occasions. I am convinced that our king will maintain close links with Saudi Arabia which is so important to our interests,” he added.

“I see a very promising future for Spain where our business experience and maturity will open up new opportunities. I also believe that the new monarch will provide stimulus and support to Spain’s presence in Saudi Arabia,” he noted.

Referring to the late King Abdullah, he said that Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Spain reached new heights with the signing of the contract for AVE Makkah-Madinah project.

Another Spanish company, Typsa has been in the country for 30 years and was also involved in the AVE Makkah-Madinah project.

Later, other Spanish firms opened their business in the Kingdom including TÈcnicas Reunidas with important projects in the oil industry, especially in the Eastern Province.

“The business landscape changed drastically toward the end of 2011 with a consortium led by FCC in which Typsa also participated, obtaining an important segment of the Riyadh Metro project valued at 6.070 billion euros,” he said, adding that the contracts have kept coming for a number of companies including Airbus, Indra, Aqualia, Urovesa and Isolux.