Saudi Arabia, Germany agree to strengthen bilateral ties

Saudi Arabia and Germany on Tuesday agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in all areas.

"Saudi Arabia welcomes the statement by the minister of foreign affairs of Germany, which included his intentions to work towards strengthening the bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in all areas between the Kingdom and Germany," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said while addressing a press conference at the UN alongside his German counterpart Heiko Maas.

"The Kingdom affirms the deep strategic ties it enjoys with Germany, as it is a historic and important relationship for both countries. The Kingdom and Germany play a leading role in bolstering international security and stability, and the global economy."

Al-Jubeir also invited Maas to the Kingdom in order to intensify their bilateral ties.

Earlier, Maas said: “In recent months, our relations have witnessed a misunderstanding which stands in sharp contrast to our otherwise strong and strategic ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we sincerely regret this."

"We should have been clearer in our communication and engagement in order to avoid such misunderstandings between Germany and the Kingdom."

Maas emphasized that Saudi Arabia is a country that plays an immensely important role for peace and stability in the region and the world.

"As there is a broad range of bilateral and international issues to discuss, we will do our best to make this partnership with the Kingdom even stronger than before," he added.

In November last year, a diplomatic dispute started after the comments of the former Germany foreign minister following which the Kingdom withdrew its ambassador to Germany.