1. Energy, technology, agriculture, defense, and education have all been cited as key sectors for Saudi-Romanian collaboration. Both countries have signed multiple memoranda to boost cooperation – for example, a 2024 MoU to advance agricultural development and food security. Which areas of cooperation do you believe hold the greatest mutual interest now, and how can our two nations expand joint projects in fields like renewable energy, digital innovation, or higher education?
All mentioned sectors offer exciting potential. However, renewable energy and digital transformation stand out due to the global imperative to transition to sustainable models. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aligns well with Romania’s strengths in agriculture, IT, and academic research. Joint ventures in agri-tech, smart energy grids, and university partnerships can yield tangible benefits, especially if facilitated by government-supported innovation platforms and business-to-business dialogue.
2. Vision 2030’s economic reforms have opened new avenues in the Saudi market, creating exciting prospects for foreign entrepreneurs. Saudi Arabia’s drive to diversify and localize industry means new opportunities in sectors from construction to creative arts. What advice would you give Romanian entrepreneurs and businesses looking to enter the Saudi market, and how can they best align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives to succeed?
Romanian companies are encouraged to view Saudi Arabia not just as a market, but as a long-term partner in development. Vision 2030 prioritizes innovation, localization, and sustainability — areas where Romanian expertise is highly relevant. Success lies in forming strategic alliances with local entities, understanding regulatory frameworks, and contributing to knowledge transfer and job creation. Sectors like healthcare, smart agriculture and cultural tourism are particularly receptive.
3. Romania is eager to attract more investment from the Gulf, and Saudi investors are increasingly looking globally for opportunities. Romania’s EU membership, strategic location, and strengths in areas like IT, agriculture, and manufacturing make it an attractive destination. From your perspective, how can Romania draw more Saudi investors, and what sectors or projects in Romania are most interesting to Saudi Arabia’s business community right now?
Romania’s EU membership, strategic location, and robust industrial and agricultural base make it an attractive destination. To attract more Saudi investors, Romania can continue improving the investment climate, promoting targeted sectors, and offering clear incentives for long-term partnerships. Signing MoU concerning Cooperation in Promotion of Direct Investment is also essential. Saudi investors are increasingly drawn to IT, green energy, logistics hubs, and agri-food production — especially where they align with global supply chain resilience and sustainability goals. However, there are some understudy projects from Saudi government and private sectors and will be announced with more details when Saudi Arabia agreed to be part of it.
4. Saudi Vision 2030 is an ambitious blueprint driving transformation through mega-projects in infrastructure, technology, and tourism.The European Union is already Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner after China, and European expertise can complement Saudi aspirations. How can European partners – including Romania – support and engage with Vision 2030’s strategic projects, and what benefits might such Euro-Saudi collaborations bring to both sides?
European countries, with their experience in infrastructure, sustainability, and smart governance, are natural partners for Saudi Arabia. Romania’s strengths in technology, vocational training, and industry can contribute meaningfully to Vision 2030’s transformation goals. Engagement can take the form of joint R&D, and participation in giga-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and Red Sea. Such cooperation promotes economic integration and knowledge exchange on both sides.
5 Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a landmark achievement that showcases the Kingdom’s rising profile on the global stage. FIFA confirmed in late 2024 that the 2034 World Cup will indeed take place in Saudi Arabia. Beyond the excitement for football fans, what economic benefits and diplomatic opportunities do you anticipate this event will bring to Saudi Arabia, and how might it further the country’s vision for development and international engagement?
Hosting the 2034 World Cup is a historic milestone that underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing global engagement. Beyond sports, the event will catalyze investment in infrastructure construction, tourism, logistics, and services. It opens a platform for international dialogue, public diplomacy, and showcasing our cultural richness. For partners like Romania, this presents a window to engage in construction, hospitality, media, and tourism initiatives related to the event.
6. Beyond economics and diplomacy, Saudi Arabia has launched major efforts to protect its natural heritage and biodiversity, symbolized by the conservation of the Arabian leopard. The Kingdom has dedicated $25 million to preserving the Arabian leopard under the Saudi Green Initiative, and even championed the establishment of February 10 as International Arabian Leopard Day. Why are wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability important priorities for Saudi Arabia, and what progress can you share regarding the protection of the Arabian leopard and other endangered species as part of these efforts?
Protecting the environment is a core pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Arabian leopard Is both a national symbol and a global conservation priority. Through the Saudi Green Initiative, Middle East green initiative, and partnerships with international conservation bodies and zero carbon initiative, we have launched breeding programs, designated protected habitats, and raised global awareness. The creation of International Arabian Leopard Day highlights our commitment to preserving biodiversity for future generations.
7. Cultural and educational cooperation forms a warm bridge between Saudi Arabia and international partners. From academic exchanges to joint research and tourism, these people-centric interactions build trust and mutual appreciation. Are there any cultural initiatives or educational programs in the pipeline between Saudi Arabia and Romania (or Europe more broadly) that you find particularly exciting, and how do such exchanges complement the official diplomatic relationship?
Certainly. Cultural and educational cooperation is a vital component of our broader diplomatic engagement. Every year, Saudi Arabia offers academic scholarships to Romanian students to study at Saudi universities. We are also advancing institutional partnerships, including the cooperation program between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies and Romania’s Diplomatic Institute. Additionally, there is a memorandum of understanding on scientific and educational collaboration between the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education and Romania’s Ministry of Education and Research. Saudi Arabia also actively supports cultural exchange with European countries through initiatives such as joint festivals, exhibitions, and events that promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. These efforts enrich human capital and strengthen the foundation for long-term cooperation between our societies.
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