On 20-21 September 2025, Secretary of State Jacek Czerniak undertook a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). During his stay, the Deputy Minister held talks with the leadership of the Saudi Ministry of Water, Environment and Agriculture, and participated in the formal opening of the Polish stand at the Foodex Saudi 2025 international agri-food trade fair.

During discussions with Saudi Arabian representatives, Deputy Minister Czerniak was accompanied by Paweł Meyer, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer; Jan Szopiński, Deputy Director General of the National Support Centre for Agriculture; and Paweł Mączka, chargé d’affaires of the Republic of Poland in the KSA.

Memorandum

A key element of the visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation between the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Poland and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture of the KSA. Under this document, Poland and Saudi Arabia will develop cooperation in the agricultural sector in areas including veterinary matters, trade, and scientific research.

"Our meeting is a testament to the growing importance of cooperation between our countries and a confirmation that Polish-Saudi relations are based on open dialogue, partnership, and mutual respect," the Deputy Minister emphasised.

Discussions with the Saudi side

During the meeting with Mansour Al-Mushaiti, Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Secretary of State Jacek Czerniak stressed that Poland considers the KSA a strategic partner in the region and is keen to identify areas for cooperation and the mutually beneficial implementation of joint projects. According to the Deputy Minister, there is potential to intensify contacts in the fields of trade, research and science, and the breeding of purebred Arabian horses.

The Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer presented requests concerning access to the Saudi market for Polish goods of animal origin. He stressed that the Polish side is counting on the KSA's recognition of the regionalisation of Polish territory with regard to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). He also pointed to the need to strengthen dialogue to efficiently finalise ongoing bilateral certificate arrangements for sheep and goat meat.

Deputy Minister Mansour Al-Mushaiti affirmed the will to cooperate with the Polish side, expressing hope that the concluded memorandum will give new impetus to mutual relations. He encouraged Polish companies to consider joint investments with Saudi partners. At the same time, he declared an interest in continuing the import of agri-food products from Poland, including processed foods, cereals, and seeds.

Meanwhile, the main topic of talks between Deputy Minister Jacek Czerniak and the leadership of the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Saudi-Polish Business Council was the potential for intensifying Polish-Saudi relations in the trade of agri-food products and investment in agriculture. The interlocutors agreed that there is significant untapped potential in these areas.

Support for Polish agri-food producers

An important aspect of Secretary of State Jacek Czerniak's visit to Riyadh was his support for Polish entrepreneurs from the agri-food sector participating in the Foodex Saudi 2025 trade fair.

At this year's edition of the Foodex Saudi fair, 13 companies presented their offerings at the Polish national stand, organised by the National Support Centre for Agriculture, promoting products on the Saudi market including confectionery, dairy, flour-based goods, organic products, convenience food, as well as snacks and sauces.

Results of Polish agri-food exports to the KSA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the key recipients of Polish agri-food products in the Middle East. According to data for the period of January-June 2025, Poland exported agri-food goods to the KSA with a value of over EUR 125 million, primarily sugar syrups, cheese, bakery products, biscuits, wafers, and confectionery.