Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 駐沙烏地阿拉伯王國台北經濟文化代表處 | |
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Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
Jurisdiction | Saudi Arabia Afghanistan Pakistan Qatar Yemen Sudan South Sudan Djibouti Ethiopia |
Permanent representative | Chang, Chih-Ping (張治平)[1] |
Website | Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; (Chinese: 駐沙烏地阿拉伯王國台北經濟文化代表處; pinyin: Zhù Shā Wū Dì Ālābó Wángguó Táiběi Jīngjì Wénhuà Dàibiǎo Chù; Arabic: مكتب الممثل الإقتصادي والثقافي لتايبيه في المملكة العربية السعودية, romanized: Maktab Almumaththil Al'Iiqtasadi Walththaqafi Litayibih fi Almamlakat Alearabiat Alssaeudia) represents the interests of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saudi Arabia in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, functioning as a de facto embassy.[2][3][4][5] In addition, it has responsibility for Taiwan's relations with Afghanistan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Qatar and Sudan.[6]
The office is headed by a Taiwanese representative, currently Teng Sheng-Ping.[1]
There was also an office in Jeddah,[7] but it was closed in 2017 because of the diplomatic resource allocation.[8]
Until 1990, Taiwan had diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, and was represented by the Embassy of the Republic of China in Riyadh.[9] There was also a Consulate-General of the Republic of China in Jeddah.[10] However, in that year, Saudi Arabia recognised the People's Republic of China.[11]
Its counterpart in Taiwan is the Saudi Arabian Trade Office in Taipei.[12] Both offices were set up in 1991, following the signing of a secret memorandum six months after the severing of diplomatic relations.[13]