Dominica: President Sylvanie Burton officially welcomed the first ambassador from Saudi Arabia – Abdullah Al-Sahani to a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025 and received credentials.
Reportedly, Dominica and Saudi Arabia established formal diplomatic relations in 2009, marking the first time of an ambassador, accredited to Dominica. President Burton told Ambassador Al-Sahani that his presence is a clear sign of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthen ties with Dominica.
During the ceremony, President Sylvanie Burton stated that the Minister for Tourism – Ahmed Al-Kateeb officially visited to Dominica in 2020, to discuss the bilateral relations between Dominica and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
She added that during bilateral exchanges with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and other government officials, meetings were held where many areas of possible collaboration and cooperation were discussed. Burton said presence of ambassador Al-Sahani presence is a clear good indication of the seriousness and sincerity of Saudi Arabia in expanding the bilateral relations with Dominica.
President Burton hopes for a beneficial relationship in the different areas of development. She expressed that Dominica is looking forward to the development of a very friendly and fruitful relationship between the two countries and is exploring the areas of potential for development cooperation in vital sectors such as tourism, health, education, agriculture, sustainable coastal development, renewable energy and climate disaster resilience, also including the food security and sustainable development.
Sylvanie Burton noted that Saudi Arabia has proven to be a beneficial partner by its involvement in the Roseau Enhancement Project. She mentioned that the Saudi Fund for Development has provided a $41 million loan to support this infrastructural development in Dominica.
On behalf of the Government and the People of the Commonwealth of Dominica she appreciated the Government of Saudi Arabia for granting the loan for this transformative project with special concessions.
Meanwhile, the new ambassador for Saudi Arabia to Dominica Abdullah Al-Sahani said that Saudi Arabia is grateful for the support of Dominica over all these years.
Al-Sahani stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to shaping the future of Dominica by working towards the kingdom’s vision 2030.
Considering this vision, they are grateful for the constant support they received over the years by the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Kingdom’s various candidacies in the international arena especially the expo 2030 UNESCO Economic and Social Council of the United Nation Human Rights Council and the extended support to the Universal Postal Union.