The HR/VP met with the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Al Jubeir in Brussels on 15 January. The HR/VP welcomed Saudi Arabia’s willingness to strengthen its relationship with the EU, as shown by the establishment of a Saudi Mission solely accredited to the EU and the set-up of a new EU department in the Saudi Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, they discussed about their bilateral relations and ways to further deepen the EU-Saudi Arabia policy dialogue and sectoral cooperation. The HR/VP and Minister Al Jubeir also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and beyond. They discussed, among other issues, the Middle East Peace Process, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, the JCPOA, the Sahel and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Al-Jubeir also met with the European Union Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.