Jorge Sierra, Spain’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reflects on his impactful tenure as he prepares to depart. He highlights memorable experiences, including trips to the Empty Quarter and AlUla, and emphasizes the excellent bilateral relations, trade, and cultural ties established during his time. Sierra concludes his ambassadorship on March 25, moving on to focus on humanitarian law at Spain’s Foreign Ministry.
Jorge Sierra, the Spanish ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reflects on his experiences as he bids farewell to the Kingdom. Appointed on October 21, 2021, he has witnessed significant social and economic changes during his tenure, describing Saudi Arabia as a beautiful country with a strong personality. Over the years, he has built substantial connections, facilitated by ministerial exchanges that have positively impacted trade and cultural ties between Spain and Saudi Arabia.
His memorable moments include a trip to the Empty Quarter with a group of professionals specializing in tourism and repeated visits to the ancient city of AlUla. Sierra asserts that the bilateral relations between the two nations are currently excellent, expressing satisfaction on both political and economic fronts. Despite this, he believes there is always room for improvement, stating, “We always think that we can do more. We want more.”
Looking towards the future, he is optimistic about developing strategic relations, aiming for a stronger partnership. One notable event during his ambassadorship was an October 2023 concert featuring renowned Spanish musician Jose Hevia in collaboration with Saudi artists, which was met with overwhelming attendance.
With Saudi Arabia becoming a prominent diplomatic hub, Sierra’s ambassadorship concludes on March 25, after which he will transition to Spain’s Foreign Ministry, focusing on humanitarian law. He regards this new role as an opportunity to engage with his interests in international law, expressing excitement for the challenges ahead. In closing, he extends gratitude to his embassy team for their efforts in enhancing Saudi-Spanish relations, while welcoming his successor, Javier Carbajosa Sanchez, who has previously served as Spain’s envoy to Qatar.
Jorge Sierra’s tenure as the Spanish ambassador to Saudi Arabia has been marked by significant cultural exchanges and the development of bilateral relations. His positive reflections on Saudi Arabia highlight a period of economic and social transformation, with successful initiatives reinforcing the diplomatic ties between the two nations. As he transitions to a new role focused on humanitarian law, the future of Saudi-Spanish relations is poised for further growth under the leadership of his successor.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
