RIYADH: Ridwaan Jadwat, the newly appointed Australian ambassador to the Kingdom, expressed his pleasure at being back in Saudi Arabia, when he visited the Arab News headquarters in Riyadh. “I came back 15 years after my first posting in 2003. Everyone’s first posting has a special place in their heart as a diplomat. I learned a lot during my first posting here and I was keen to come back. It’s a great honor and privilege for me to come back as the ambassador of Australia.” He was warmly welcomed by Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abbas and discussed the fruitful relations between the two countries and their ambitions. The ambassador, who arrived two months ago, said he could see how society is transforming itself and the evidence of that in Riyadh specifically. He noted the social and cultural changes, such as women taking on a much more significant and prominent place in the country, which he has “been struck by.” “I really want to work with my team here to build and enhance our relationship ... to see where Australia can support Saudi with Vision 2030 and with some of the other ambitious projects. “It’s an exciting time for us to work with Saudi Arabia on economic and trade issues.” Noting that Saudi wants to look beyond oil, the ambassador said: “Australia has a great deal of expertise and experience in things like mining and minerals technology. Saudi Arabia has a great deal of potential in unexplored territory in terms of mining. Australia is a mining superpower.” Touching on the subject of tourism, he said he “would love to see the number of Saudis visiting Australia as well as studying there increase dramatically.” As the Saudi tourism industry is opening up to the world, he said he would “love to see more Australians visit Saudi.” He had the chance to tour many historical sites in Saudi Arabia and commented on how significant they are. Only two days ago he visited Al-Masmak fort and Al-Deira souk in Riyadh. “I think people would really appreciate the cultural and historical sites, and Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer,” he said.