detail - Regional Programme Gulf States

Saudi-German Relations: Opportunities for Joint Cooperation

by Philipp Dienstbier, Manuel Schubert

A ROUNDTABLE IN RIYADH PROMOTED DIALOGUE AND STRENGTHENED THE EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

Diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Germany date back to the 1950s. Particularly in the areas of economic cooperation and security cooperation, both countries have long been on a path of active exchange and close coordination. Despite this positive track record, bilateral relations between the two countries have recently also experienced diplomatic setbacks. Overcoming these developments remains a key challenge for the foreign policy of both countries.

February 1, 2018 Ordering Information

The Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies (IfDS) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) jointly organised a roundtable from 30 to 31 January 2018.

On the opening panel, Dr Abdullah Al Salamah (centre), Director General, IfDS, and Mr Thomas Birringer (third from left), Head of the Team Middle East and North Africa, KAS, give their introductory remarks.

Mr Omar Bahlaiwa (on the left), President, Optimum Business Consulting Bureau, and Mr Philipp Dienstbier (on the right), Programme Manager & Research Fellow, KAS Regional Programme Gulf States, debate Saudi-German economic and cultural relations.

Dr Mohamad Al Sulami (third from right), Chairman, Arabian Gulf Center for Iranian Studies, and Dr Oliver Ernst (on the right), Desk Officer, Team Middle East and North Africa, KAS, discuss the Iranian nuclear agreement with the audience.

Dr Mansour Al Marzoqi (on the right), Assistant Professor, IfDS, and Mr Nils Wörmer (centre), Head of KAS Office Syria/Iraq, exchange views on the future of Syria.