Minister of Agriculture of Lithuania visits Saudi Arabia
On 19-20 February, Minister of Agriculture Kęstutis Navickas, accompanied by Ambassador of Lithuania Ramūnas Davidonis, visited Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he held talks on promoting bilateral cooperation with H.E. Mr Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia.
The Ministers discussed the prospects for promoting bilateral trade, the opportunities for developing innovative food production and processing technologies, and the importance of export permits for beef, poultry and egg products, the solutions to which would open up additional opportunities for Lithuania's exports to Saudi Arabia.
The delegation discussed investment opportunities and funds between Saudi Arabia and Lithuania and the promotion of mutual investments with H.E. Badr Albadr, Deputy Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia.
Minister Navickas also met with Prof. Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey, Head of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, to discuss the most common challenges faced by Lithuanian exporters, opportunities for cooperation, and issues related to export permits for food products.
At the meeting with the Head of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Mr. Ajlan bin Abdulaziz Al Ajlan, Minister K. Navickas discussed business cooperation opportunities and agreed on the establishment of a Bilateral Business Council.
For the first time, a Saudi-Lithuanian Business Day was held in Riyadh, attended by representatives of ten Lithuanian businesses. The event showcased Lithuanian food industry opportunities and products. The event was organised with the support of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Industry and Commerce.
Saudi Arabia is a significant trading partner for Lithuania, with agricultural and food exports to the country rising to €124 million in 2022, including €93 million in wheat exports.
