German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Boris Ruge said on Friday that Germany and Saudi Arabia enjoy excellent bilateral ties but that there’s much room for improvement in various sectors.

“There’s great scope for further strengthened ties. This idea will underlie our activities as we work closely with the Saudi government,” said the new German envoy in his office at the Germany Embassy inside the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ).

He said that he has been mainly involved with politics while in the home office but that he’s willing to learn about new things to continue the hard work of former Ambassador Dieter W. Haller who has been recalled to the home office.

“I was in the Eastern Province last Sunday and met with fellow Germans and the local business community there. I had earlier been in Jeddah for the same purpose. Our consulate there will be transferred for more work efficiency,” he said.

He said that at present, the two countries have close collaboration in the fields of politics and security; trade, business and investment ; and culture.

On politics, he said that Germany has the same stance as Saudi Arabia on the issues on Palestine, Syria, Iraq and even Iran.

“Saudi Arabia is a leader in the Arab world. It’s a key player when it comes to humanitarian undertakings. We have seen this many times in the past. It’s also a key force during discussions in the Arab League and the GCC,” he said.

He said that on security, Germany is in close collaboration with the Kingdom in securing its borders.

On trade, he said that the volume between the two countries amounts to 10.9 billion euros, with Germany exporting cars and spare parts, pharmaceutical products, among others, not to mention engineering and technological services.

He said that one of Germany’s main aim is to transfer technology to the Kingdom specially to the youth who will take over the helm of industry in the future from their elders. He noted that German trade promotion in the Kingdom is being handled by the German Saudi Arabian Liaison Office for Economic Affairs (GESALO) headed by Andreas Hergenroether as secretary general.

The 52-year-old diplomat added that on investment, there is presence of German firms doing business in the Kingdom. The SAGECO has assisted in the establishment of nearly 40 Saudi-German joint ventures in the Kingdom.

These ventures are both in the industrial and non-industrial sectors and the companies have participated in numerous promotional events in the Kingdom and Germany to attract German and European Union investment to Saudi Arabia.

On culture, he said that there are Saudi youth studying in leading universities in various parts of Germany and taking up various courses like medicine. Many of them are studying under the King Abdullah Scholarship Program.

He noted that Saudi Ambassador to Berlin, Dr. Osama Shobokshi, also studied in Germany and speaks German fluently. Shobokshi was also the former health minister.

“It’s exciting being here. There’s much to know and to learn. This post is new to me although I have come here for short visits in the past,” he said.

He added that he’s looking forward to meaningful working relationships with Saudi officials and diplomatic colleagues.