Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member, and Climate Affairs Envoy Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir received the Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain, Diego Martinez Belio, in Riyadh on January 12, 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The meeting focused on reviewing bilateral cooperation between the two countries and exploring ways to strengthen ties across a range of shared interests. The two officials also discussed regional and international developments of mutual concern, underscoring the Kingdom’s continued commitment to active diplomacy and constructive international engagement.
The encounter reflects the enduring relationship between Saudi Arabia and Spain, two nations connected by centuries of Mediterranean and Arab heritage, growing economic complementarity, and a shared interest in stability across the Middle East and North Africa. Riyadh has consistently pursued dialogue with European partners as part of its broader foreign policy, which prioritizes peaceful resolution of disputes, expanded trade and investment, and coordinated responses to global challenges such as climate change and energy transition. The SPA report, released through official Saudi channels, confirms that the talks were held in the Saudi capital and covered both bilateral and multilateral topics of mutual interest.
Context and Background
Why does a single diplomatic meeting in Riyadh matter in a world already crowded with summits and state visits? The answer lies in the depth and durability of Saudi-Spanish relations, which have quietly become one of the Kingdom’s most productive partnerships in Europe. Spain is a member of the European Union, a NATO ally, and a Mediterranean gateway to North Africa and Latin America. For Saudi Arabia, engagement with Madrid offers a bridge to European institutions, access to Spanish expertise in infrastructure, renewable energy, and tourism, and a like-minded partner on issues ranging from water management to cultural heritage preservation.
The meeting between Al-Jubeir and Martinez Belio is part of a sustained rhythm of high-level exchanges. Saudi Arabia and Spain have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, and in recent years the two capitals have intensified cooperation through joint commissions, business councils, and cultural agreements. Spanish companies are active in Saudi Arabia in sectors including high-speed rail, desalination, renewable energy, and construction, while Saudi investment in Spain has grown in real estate, technology, and hospitality. The official SPA report did not specify new agreements, but the very fact of the meeting signals that both governments intend to keep the channel open and productive.
The timing is also significant. As the global order undergoes rapid realignment, middle powers and regional leaders are seeking reliable partners who share an interest in stability, open trade, and technological progress. Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has emphasized constructive engagement with both East and West. Meetings such as this one in Riyadh are the practical building blocks of that strategy, turning broad principles into working relationships.
Key Details of the Meeting
What exactly was discussed behind the closed doors of the Saudi capital? According to the Saudi Press Agency, the meeting focused on reviewing bilateral cooperation and exploring ways to strengthen such ties. The ministers also discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest. While the official readout was concise, the subjects covered by such a meeting typically include trade and investment flows, energy cooperation, climate action, cultural exchange, and coordination on regional security issues.
Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir is a veteran Saudi diplomat who has served as the Kingdom’s Ambassador to the United States, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and now as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member, and Climate Affairs Envoy. His dual role in diplomacy and climate affairs makes him a natural interlocutor for European partners, who increasingly link trade and investment to environmental standards and energy transition goals. Diego Martinez Belio, as Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, is a senior official within Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, responsible for a broad portfolio that includes global affairs, multilateral diplomacy, and relations with Europe and the Mediterranean.
The meeting took place in Riyadh, the political and diplomatic heart of the Kingdom and the site of major international gatherings, including future Expo 2030 and the headquarters of numerous regional organizations. The choice of Riyadh as the venue underscores Saudi Arabia’s role as a convening power in the region, a place where European and Middle Eastern officials can meet to discuss shared challenges. The SPA report was published on January 12, 2025, at 22:48 local time, confirming the meeting occurred that day.
International and Regional Impact
How does a bilateral meeting in Riyadh ripple across a wider region? Saudi-Spanish ties are not merely bilateral; they sit within a larger framework of European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) relations. Spain has often served as a bridge between Europe and the Arab world, and its diplomatic weight in Brussels and in Latin America can help amplify shared positions on trade, climate, and security. For Saudi Arabia, cultivating Spain means cultivating a friend inside the European Union who understands the Kingdom’s reform agenda and its role as a stabilizing force in the Middle East.
On regional issues, the two officials likely exchanged views on the situation in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and the broader Middle East peace process, as well as on energy markets and maritime security. Spain has historically been supportive of Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution, a position that aligns with the Arab Peace Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s longstanding advocacy for a just and comprehensive peace. While the official readout did not detail specific positions, the discussion of regional developments of mutual interest indicates that Riyadh and Madrid are coordinating their diplomatic messaging and seeking common ground on difficult files.
Beyond the Middle East, the meeting also has implications for Europe’s energy security and for global climate diplomacy. As a Climate Affairs Envoy, Al-Jubeir is deeply involved in Saudi Arabia’s preparations for international climate negotiations and its domestic green initiatives, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. Spain, a leader in renewable energy and a strong advocate of the Paris Agreement, is a natural partner for knowledge exchange on solar power, wind energy, green hydrogen, and carbon capture. Cooperation in these areas could accelerate both countries’ transitions and create new commercial opportunities.
Economic and Strategic Significance
What economic stakes lie beneath the diplomatic pleasantries? Saudi Arabia and Spain share a substantial and growing commercial relationship. Spanish firms have been involved in some of the Kingdom’s most iconic infrastructure projects, including the Haramain High Speed Railway, which connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and various desalination and water treatment plants. Spanish engineering and construction companies are also active in NEOM and other giga-projects tied to Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy away from oil dependence.
In the other direction, Saudi investment in Spain has increased in sectors such as real estate, tourism, and technology. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and other Saudi investors have shown interest in Spanish assets, while Spanish hotel groups and renewable energy developers have expanded into the Saudi market. This two-way flow of capital and expertise is exactly the kind of economic diversification that Vision 2030 seeks to promote, and it gives both countries a stake in each other’s prosperity. The meeting between Al-Jubeir and Martinez Belio provides political top cover for these commercial ties and signals that both governments welcome deeper private-sector engagement.
Strategically, Spain’s position as a gateway to Europe, North Africa, and Latin America makes it a valuable partner for Saudi Arabia’s global outreach. Madrid can help facilitate Saudi dialogue with the European Union on issues such as trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation, while Riyadh can offer Spain a reliable energy partner and a growing market for Spanish goods and services. In a multipolar world, such cross-regional partnerships are essential for maintaining stability and prosperity, and the Saudi-Spanish relationship is a model of pragmatic, mutually beneficial cooperation.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does this meeting connect to Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision? Vision 2030, launched in 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to transform the Kingdom into a diversified, innovative, and globally connected economy. A core pillar of that vision is international partnership: attracting foreign investment, expanding non-oil exports, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for trade, tourism, and technology. Diplomatic engagements like the Al-Jubeir-Martinez Belio meeting are not isolated events; they are part of a deliberate strategy to build the relationships that make Vision 2030 possible.
Climate action is another area where Vision 2030 and Spanish interests converge. Saudi Arabia has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and is investing heavily in renewable energy, hydrogen, and circular carbon economy technologies. Spain, with its advanced renewable sector and its own ambitious climate targets, can be a partner in research, development, and deployment. The fact that Al-Jubeir wears two hats, as both a senior diplomat and the Kingdom’s Climate Affairs Envoy, highlights how Saudi foreign policy increasingly integrates economic, environmental, and security considerations into a single strategic framework.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host major global events, including Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, partnerships with countries like Spain will be essential for sharing expertise in event management, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. The meeting in Riyadh on January 12, 2025, is therefore more than a routine diplomatic courtesy. It is a reaffirmation of Saudi Arabia’s open, forward-looking foreign policy and a step toward a more interconnected, prosperous, and sustainable future, in line with the Kingdom’s enduring values and its ambitious Vision 2030.
20 Questions
Q1. Who received the Spanish State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs in Riyadh?
A1. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member, and Climate Affairs Envoy Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir received Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, Diego Martinez Belio, in Riyadh on January 12, 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Q2. What was the main purpose of the meeting?
A2. The meeting focused on reviewing bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Spain and exploring ways to strengthen ties. The officials also discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest, reflecting the two countries’ shared diplomatic priorities.
Q3. Where did the meeting take place?
A3. The meeting took place in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is the Kingdom’s political and diplomatic center and frequently hosts high-level international meetings and official visits from foreign delegations.
Q4. When did the meeting occur?
A4. The meeting occurred on January 12, 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency report, which was published at 22:48 local time, corresponding to 19:48 GMT. The official readout confirmed the date and location.
Q5. Who is Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir?
A5. Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir is Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, a Cabinet member, and the Kingdom’s Climate Affairs Envoy. He previously served as Saudi Ambassador to the United States and as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Q6. Who is Diego Martinez Belio?
A6. Diego Martinez Belio is the Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain. He is a senior official within Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, with responsibilities covering global and multilateral affairs.
Q7. What topics were discussed beyond bilateral cooperation?
A7. The ministers discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest. These likely included Middle East peace efforts, energy markets, climate action, and other global issues where Saudi Arabia and Spain share common concerns and diplomatic objectives.
Q8. Did the meeting produce any new agreements?
A8. The official Saudi Press Agency readout did not announce new agreements. The meeting was focused on reviewing existing cooperation and exploring ways to strengthen ties, consistent with the two countries’ ongoing diplomatic engagement and regular high-level exchanges.
Q9. How long have Saudi Arabia and Spain maintained diplomatic relations?
A9. Saudi Arabia and Spain have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, building a partnership rooted in historical ties, economic complementarity, and shared interests in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern stability, trade, and cultural exchange.
Q10. What economic sectors are central to Saudi-Spanish cooperation?
A10. Key sectors include infrastructure, high-speed rail, desalination, renewable energy, tourism, real estate, and technology. Spanish firms have contributed to major Saudi projects, while Saudi investment in Spain has grown in several of these areas.
Q11. How does this meeting relate to Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy?
A11. The meeting reflects Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy of constructive engagement with both Eastern and Western partners. Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom prioritizes dialogue, stability, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Q12. What role does Spain play in Saudi Arabia’s European outreach?
A12. Spain serves as a bridge between Saudi Arabia and the European Union, as well as a gateway to North Africa and Latin America. Madrid can help facilitate Saudi dialogue with European institutions on trade, investment, and regulatory matters.
Q13. How does climate cooperation feature in Saudi-Spanish relations?
A13. As Climate Affairs Envoy, Al-Jubeir engages with partners on climate issues. Spain is a leader in renewable energy, making it a natural partner for cooperation on solar power, wind energy, green hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies.
Q14. What is the significance of Riyadh as a venue for such meetings?
A14. Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic capital and a growing global convening hub. It hosts major international events and serves as a neutral ground where European and Middle Eastern officials can discuss shared challenges and opportunities.
Q15. How does the meeting align with Vision 2030?
A15. Vision 2030 seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and expand its global partnerships. Diplomatic engagements like this meeting help attract investment, promote non-oil exports, and position the Kingdom as a hub for trade, tourism, and innovation.
Q16. What regional issues might have been on the agenda?
A16. Likely topics included the Middle East peace process, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stability in Lebanon and Yemen, maritime security, and energy market dynamics. Both countries share an interest in regional stability and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Q17. Are there cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Spain?
A17. Yes, Saudi Arabia and Spain share deep historical and cultural connections rooted in Mediterranean and Arab heritage. Cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and educational cooperation are important dimensions of the bilateral relationship.
Q18. What does the meeting signal about Saudi Arabia’s global role?
A18. It signals that Saudi Arabia remains an active and influential player in global diplomacy, capable of maintaining strong ties with European partners while pursuing its own strategic priorities and contributing to international stability and prosperity.
Q19. How might this meeting affect future Saudi-Spanish relations?
A19. The meeting reinforces the foundation for continued high-level exchanges, potential new agreements, and deeper cooperation across economic, diplomatic, and climate-related fields, benefiting both countries and their respective regions.
Q20. What is the broader message of this diplomatic engagement?
A20. The broader message is that Saudi Arabia values partnership, dialogue, and mutual respect in international affairs. The Kingdom continues to build bridges with nations worldwide in support of Vision 2030 and global peace and prosperity.
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