High-Level Meeting Strengthens Romania – Saudi Arabia Bilateral Cooperation in Agriculture

Romania and Saudi Arabia are taking significant steps to strengthen their economic partnership in the agricultural sector.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Florin Barbu, today received at the MADR headquarters a delegation from the Saudi Business Council, led by Dr. Mohammed Salah Mutabagani, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Abdulghani Khayat, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bucharest.

The discussions focused on identifying joint projects and innovative solutions in agriculture, livestock, and the food industry, with an emphasis on strategic investments aimed at increasing both countries’ competitiveness in the regional market. Key topics included:

• development of agricultural and livestock infrastructure;

• establishment of halal-certified slaughterhouses;

• implementation of modern irrigation systems;

• joint projects for food security and development of the agro-food value chain.

Minister Florin Barbu highlighted Romania’s agricultural potential and competitive advantages for foreign investors. “Romania is a reliable partner, with all the prerequisites to become the largest processor in Southeast Europe,” he stated, inviting Saudi investors to participate in projects for modernizing processing infrastructure and irrigation systems.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Abdulghani Khayat praised the openness of the Romanian authorities and reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s interest in developing sustainable partnerships in the agro-food sector, emphasizing the importance of technology transfer and cooperation on food security projects.

Today’s meeting marks a strategic step in strengthening bilateral economic relations and reflects the commitment of both parties to boost trade exchanges and attract investment in key sectors of the Romanian economy.

Prospects for Romania – Saudi Arabia Agricultural Cooperation
Experts estimate that this partnership could increase Romania’s agricultural processing capacity, diversify exports, and implement modern technologies supporting sustainable sector development. Moreover, cooperation in halal-certified slaughterhouses opens new markets for Romanian products in the Middle East, reinforcing Romania’s position on the international agro-food trade map.