Minister Bandar Alkhorayef recently concluded an official visit to Spain where he engaged in bilateral meetings with Spanish government ministers and private sector leaders to enhance cooperation in the industrial and mining sectors. The focus of the discussions was on exploring mutual opportunities in strategic and advanced industries such as aviation, automotive, and maritime sectors. Accompanied by Princess Haifa Al Moqrin, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Spain, Minister Alkhorayef emphasized the importance of developing economic relations and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Minister Alkhorayef held discussions with key officials, including the Minister of Industry and Tourism, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, and the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs in the Spanish President’s Cabinet. The discussions also included the Chairman of the Industry and Tourism Committee in the Senate, the Secretary of State for Energy, and the Director of the Geological and Mining Institute in Spain. The minister explored opportunities with CEOs of leading Spanish companies to facilitate knowledge transfer, foster innovation, and localize manufacturing technologies across 12 promising industrial sectors aligned with the national industrial strategy.
The focus of the meetings with private sector leaders including companies like Drone Hopper, Ferroglobe, Reinosa Forgings & Castings, ADIADA, and XCALIPUR was on advancing geological survey operations, attracting mining investments, and reviewing the services and opportunities available to investors in Saudi Arabia. The minister also met with members of the Saudi-Spanish Business Council to discuss the council’s role in strengthening economic ties between the two countries and attracting investments for mutually beneficial opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Spain.
During his visit, Minister Alkhorayef also took the time to visit IE University in Madrid, where he met with faculty members and Saudi students studying there. He also toured the Spanish Geological and Mining Institute to view mineral exhibits in their museum. In an effort to further enhance cooperation between the two nations, he extended invitations to Spanish ministers and CEOs of major mining companies to attend the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) scheduled to take place in Riyadh at the beginning of the upcoming year.
Overall, Minister Alkhorayef’s visit to Spain was focused on enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Spain in the industrial and mining sectors. The discussions aimed to explore mutual opportunities for collaboration in strategic industries such as aviation, automotive, and maritime sectors. The minister engaged in discussions with key Spanish officials and private sector leaders to facilitate knowledge transfer, foster innovation, and attract investments in Saudi Arabia. By strengthening economic relations and bilateral ties between the two nations, the visit aimed to foster broader industrial and mining cooperation in line with national strategies in both countries.
