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The Saudi Press Agency reported that Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in the German capital on Sunday to sign the memorandum of understanding establishing a strategic dialogue at the level of foreign ministers. The pact aims to bolster consultation and coordination between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Germany while advancing bilateral relations across diverse fields. The two ministers reviewed the longstanding and historical ties between the countries and explored avenues to strengthen cooperation further. They also examined ways to build on existing partnerships that have developed over decades of engagement.
Economic and trade relations featured prominently in the discussions according to the Saudi Press Agency. The ministers assessed current bilateral trade volumes and identified opportunities to elevate them in line with the depth of overall ties. Data from the General Authority for Foreign Trade placed the value of two-way commerce at $8.78 billion in the preceding year. This figure underscores the potential for expanded investment and collaboration in sectors ranging from industry to technology. The new strategic dialogue mechanism is expected to provide a structured framework for pursuing such growth.
The Saudi Press Agency stated that the ministers turned their attention to the current situation across the region during the Berlin meeting. They emphasised the critical importance of securing international waterways and guaranteeing freedom of maritime navigation. Both sides called for the Strait of Hormuz to revert to its normal status which would enhance regional security and stability while preserving the uninterrupted flow of global trade. The discussion reflected shared concerns over disruptions that have periodically affected this vital chokepoint for energy shipments.
International Energy Agency data shows that approximately 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and petroleum products transited the Strait in 2025 accounting for roughly 25 percent of global seaborne oil trade. The Saudi Press Agency noted that the ministers reaffirmed their support for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to both regional and international crises. Their talks built upon previous bilateral engagements including the 21st session of the Saudi-German Joint Commission for Economic and Technical Cooperation held in Riyadh earlier this year. That earlier gathering had similarly prioritised expanding ties in trade investment and technical fields.
Saudi Foreign Ministry Director-General for European Countries Abdulrahman Al-Ahmad and adviser to the foreign minister Mohammed Al-Yahya attended the meeting alongside the principals according to the Saudi Press Agency. The gathering occurred against a backdrop of sustained diplomatic efforts between Riyadh and Berlin that have intensified in recent years. Officials from both sides have increasingly coordinated on matters spanning security economics and multilateral issues. The memorandum signed on Sunday formalises this pattern of engagement at the highest levels of their respective foreign ministries.
The development comes as Saudi Arabia continues to pursue diversified partnerships beyond traditional alliances the Saudi Press Agency indicated in its coverage. Germany has emerged as a key European partner with cooperation extending into renewable energy education and defence technology in recent years. Sunday’s accord provides a dedicated channel for regular high-level exchanges that can address both bilateral priorities and overlapping international concerns. Such structured dialogues have become standard tools in Saudi diplomacy for advancing mutual interests with like-minded nations.
