Date: May 13, 2026 l By Benson Kimberly
Saudi Arabia and Spain have signed a major agreement to establish a new strategic partnership council aimed at strengthening political, economic, cultural, defense, and energy cooperation between both countries. The agreement was reached during an official visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to Madrid on Wednesday.
The new council is expected to deepen bilateral relations and coordinate joint efforts across several sectors, including transport, investment, diplomacy, and regional security. Spain’s Foreign Ministry described relations between Madrid and Riyadh as “increasingly solid and strategic,” emphasizing the growing partnership between the two nations.
Prince Faisal met with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares during the visit, where both leaders discussed a range of regional and international issues, including ongoing tensions in the Middle East and efforts to promote stability in the Gulf region.
According to Spain’s Foreign Ministry, Madrid reiterated its solidarity with Saudi Arabia following recent Iranian attacks targeting Gulf states. Spanish officials also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic role in seeking solutions to regional conflicts and reducing tensions across the Middle East.
The talks additionally focused on the Palestinian issue, with Prince Faisal praising Spain’s continued support for a two-state solution and its position calling for de-escalation in the region. The Saudi foreign minister also commended Spain’s condemnation of attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Lebanon.
As part of the agreements signed during the visit, Saudi Arabia and Spain also approved a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports. Officials believe the move will improve diplomatic coordination and facilitate easier official travel between both countries.
Prince Faisal’s trip to Spain came shortly after meetings in London with British officials concerning the economic and security implications of tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Saudi Arabia has recently intensified diplomatic efforts with international allies amid growing instability linked to the regional conflict involving Iran.
Saudi Arabia has increasingly positioned itself as a key diplomatic player in international conflict resolution and regional de-escalation efforts. Analysts say the Kingdom’s expanding ties with European partners reflect broader ambitions under Vision 2030 to strengthen global partnerships and diversify political and economic cooperation beyond traditional alliances.
The strategic partnership with Spain is expected to open new opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure development, tourism, and defense coordination as both nations seek stronger economic integration in the coming years.