Saudi foreign minister signs strategic dialogue agreement with Germany

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan signed an agreement with Germany to establish a strategic dialogue at foreign-minister level, while also holding talks with Britain and Bahrain on regional security.

During a meeting in Berlin with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, the two officials reviewed what the Saudi Press Agency described as bilateral and historical relations between their countries. They discussed ways to deepen cooperation across several fields, including economic and trade ties, bilateral trade volumes, investment and new opportunities for cooperation.

The ministers also addressed the situation in the region. They stressed the importance of securing international waterways, preserving freedom of maritime navigation and restoring normal conditions in the Strait of Hormuz. They reaffirmed support for peaceful and diplomatic efforts to resolve regional and international crises.

The memorandum signed by Prince Faisal and Wadephul will create a foreign-minister-level strategic dialogue and strengthen consultation and coordination between Saudi Arabia and Germany. The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

Earlier, Prince Faisal spoke by phone with British Foreign Secretary Edward Miliband. They reviewed bilateral relations and regional and international developments, including their implications for security and stability. The two ministers called for intensified diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, improve the security of international waterways and ensure freedom of navigation to protect supply chains and international trade.

Prince Faisal also spoke with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani about regional developments and efforts to maintain security and stability.