The European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Christophe Farnaud, highlighted the enduring relationship between the EU and the Kingdom during the celebration of Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day on February 22.

“On this day, we pay tribute to the vision, leadership, and resilience that have shaped Saudi Arabia into a prosperous and influential nation,” Farnaud stated. “The European Union is honored to join in celebrating this significant national holiday, which underscores the long-standing friendship between our regions.”

Farnaud stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing regional and global challenges, noting that fostering peace, stability, and mutual respect remains essential. “In an increasingly complex world, strengthening our partnership is more crucial than ever,” he added.

Reflecting on the cultural significance of Founding Day, Farnaud remarked, “This day is not only a time of national pride for the Saudi people but also an opportunity for us to connect with Saudi heritage and deepen our ties.” The ambassador and his guests gathered in Diriyah, a historic site symbolic of the Kingdom’s origins and now home to one of Saudi Arabia’s key heritage projects.

The celebration, hosted at Bonjour Saudi in Diriyah, offered guests a chance to experience traditional gastronomy and participate in workshops that showcased Saudi culture. Attendees also learned about the significance of Najdi gates, highlighting their impact on the region’s architectural and cultural legacy.

Farnaud concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia, expressing hope that the celebration would further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two regions.

The Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering and a critical artery for global trade, is once again in the international spotlight following President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about reclaiming the waterway for the United States. Trump’s threats to demand the canal’s return, potentially through military force, have reignited discussions about the canal’s significance and its complex history.

Since its construction began in the late 19th century, the Panama Canal has been a symbol of both political tension and human achievement. Spanning 50 miles (80 kilometers) across the Isthmus of Panama, the canal has revolutionized global trade by linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving ships months of perilous travel around South America’s Cape Horn.

Ana Elizabeth González, executive director of the Panama Canal Museum, emphasized the canal’s diverse history, pointing out that it was built by workers from 97 countries who contributed their labor, and in many cases, their lives, to its construction. The project was a testament to international cooperation, overcoming challenges in both engineering and geopolitics.

Today, the Panama Canal is not just a key piece of infrastructure but a popular tourist destination. In 2024, the Miraflores Visitor Center alone attracted around 820,000 visitors, a number that is expected to increase as tourism continues to rise. The canal’s role in global commerce is undeniable, with approximately 5% of all global trade passing through it annually. It is especially crucial for cargo traveling between the U.S. East Coast and Asia, with about 40% of all U.S. containers relying on the canal.

The canal’s impact on international trade cannot be overstated. Before its opening in 1914, ships had to navigate the treacherous Cape Horn, a journey that could take months and claimed the lives of thousands of sailors. The canal reduced travel time by five months and saved ships a staggering 8,000 miles (12,875 kilometers) in distance.

In recent years, the canal underwent a significant expansion, completing a multibillion-dollar project in 2016 to accommodate larger vessels known as NeoPanamax. This expansion has further solidified the canal’s position as a vital global trade route.

For those interested in visiting this engineering wonder, there are several ways to experience the canal. Tourists can visit the Miraflores or Agua Clara Visitor Centers, where they can watch ships pass through the locks, or take guided tours to explore the canal’s history and ongoing operations. Miraflores also features an IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman, offering an in-depth look at the canal’s past and its crucial role in modern shipping.

As Panama continues to thrive due to the canal’s revenue—approximately $5 billion in 2024—the waterway remains a central part of the nation’s economy and identity. With global attention once again focused on this historic landmark, the Panama Canal’s future is as pivotal as ever in connecting nations and economies across the world.