MADRID: Saudi Arabia and Spain have signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports, marking a step towards strengthening bilateral relations and facilitating official travel between the two countries.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Foreign Minister of Spain José Manuel Albares Bueno signed the agreement in Madrid, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Wednesday.
The two also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Saudi-Spanish Strategic Partnership Council.
During the meeting, discussions focused on ways to strengthen bilateral relations, elevate it to a strategic partnership, and advance the deep and growing relationship built upon historical ties and bonds of friendship between the leadership and people of the two kingdoms. The… pic.twitter.com/S3VCVsBtxL
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) May 13, 2026
Prior to signing of the agreement the two foreign ministers held a meeting during which they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, and advance the deep and growing relationship built upon historical ties and bonds of friendship between the leadership and people of the two countries.
The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the strength and steady development of bilateral relations, welcoming progress achieved across key areas of cooperation, particularly in shared priorities such as security, defence, trade, investment, culture, and multilateral engagement.
They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership and exploring future opportunities for collaboration.
They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, voicing concern over rising tensions in the region.
Both sides stressed the importance of adherence to international law and underscored the need to consolidate ceasefires in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon, while prioritising dialogue and diplomatic solutions to enhance regional and global peace and stability.
They further called for restraint and prudence, and emphasised the importance of ensuring the security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Spanish side reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, GCC member states, and Jordan against recent attacks, and commended Saudi Arabia’s balanced and responsible approach, including its continued efforts to promote de-escalation and diplomatic engagement.
The Saudi side, in turn, welcomed Spain’s position advocating de-escalation in the Middle East, its condemnation of Iranian aggression against GCC countries and Jordan, as well as Israeli actions in Lebanon, and appreciated Spain’s support for the Palestinian cause and its efforts to advance the two-state solution.
