SFDA CEO Strengthens Saudi-EU Trade and Regulatory Cooperation in High-Level Brussels Meetings

In a major step toward advancing Saudi-European trade and regulatory collaboration, H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), held high-level meetings today with H.E. Luigi Di Maio, European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Gulf Region, and Dr. Sabine Weyand, Director General of the EU Directorate-General for Trade. Saudi Ambassador to the EU, Ms. Haifa Al Jedaie, was also present, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to deepening economic and regulatory ties with the EU.

Dr. Aljadhey’s meeting with Mr. Di Maio at the European External Action Service (EEAS) centered on expanding Saudi-EU cooperation beyond trade, exploring strategic initiatives that strengthen food and drug safety, enhance investment opportunities, and drive innovation in regulatory standards. Their discussions underscored the Kingdom’s proactive role in shaping global policies that ensure the safety and efficiency of traded products.

At the Directorate-General for Trade, Dr. Aljadhey and Dr. Weyand focused on facilitating European exports to Saudi Arabia, streamlining trade mechanisms, and reinforcing bilateral agreements to ensure seamless market access. With Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global trade hub, both sides acknowledged the importance of regulatory alignment in enhancing consumer safety while fostering economic growth.

One of the most significant outcomes of these discussions was the SFDA’s recent decision to lift the ban on beef and sheep meat imports from 27 EU countries. This milestone reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening global trade partnerships, underpinned by rigorous food safety measures and progressive regulatory policies. It paves the way for enhanced market access, benefiting both Saudi consumers and EU exporters.

As Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious journey toward becoming a global leader in food, drug, and medical product safety, these high-level engagements reinforce the SFDA’s dedication to fostering international collaboration, driving regulatory excellence, and ensuring the highest safety standards for consumers.

With a strong and forward-looking approach, the SFDA remains committed to deepening its partnerships with the EU, advancing shared goals, and setting new benchmarks for global trade and regulatory cooperation.