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Saudi Arabia's foreign policy is central to the kingdom's transition from oil dependency to economic diversification under the Vision 2030 reform programme. Riyadh's strategy of multi-alignment – balancing its longstanding United States (US) security partneBriefing - Saudi Arabia's foreign policy - 25-09-2025
Saudi Arabia's foreign policy is central to the kingdom's transition from oil dependency to economic diversification under the Vision 2030 reform programme. Riyadh's strategy of multi-alignment – balancing its longstanding United States (US) security partnership while expanding ties to China, Russia, and the Global South – offers both opportunities and vulnerabilities. While this approach provides greater strategic autonomy and diplomatic influence, it also generates tensions as competition between major powers intensifies. A more confrontational US administration focused on rivalry with China may force Saudi leaders to make difficult choices, testing the resilience of this balancing act. Regional stability is critical for the success of Vision 2030, as persistent conflicts threaten investor confidence and risk diverting resources from modernisation. The Gaza war has complicated Saudi normalisation with Israel, reinforcing Riyadh's insistence on Palestinian statehood as a prerequisite for peace. Meanwhile, Iran's nuclear ambitions and proxy activities escalate regional tensions. Direct military exchanges between Iran and Israel, coupled with US involvement, have increased the risk of a broader regional conflict, posing immediate threats to Saudi infrastructure and economic interests. The European Union (EU) is a critical partner in the kingdom's pursuit of economic transformation and global influence. As Saudi Arabia's second largest trading partner, the EU is a major source of investment and technology for diversification in fields such as renewable energy and digital innovation. However, the relationship is complex, strained by persistent European concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including its use of the death penalty and treatment of migrant workers. These issues remain a source of friction, managed through ongoing human rights dialogues, reflecting the complex nature of EU–Saudi ties. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP Read more