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; represents the interests of Taiwan in Saudi Arabia in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, functioning as a de facto embassy. In addition, it has responsibility for Afghanistan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Qatar and Sudan.
The Office is headed by a Representative, currently Teng Sheng-Ping.
There was also an office in Jeddah, but it was closed in 2017 because of the diplomatic resource allocation.

History

Until 1990, Taiwan had diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, and was represented by the Embassy of the Republic of China in Riyadh. There was also a Consulate-General of the Republic of China in Jeddah. However, in that year, Saudi Arabia recognised the People's Republic of China.
Its counterpart in Taiwan is the Saudi Arabian Trade Office in Taipei. Both offices were set up in 1991, following the signing of a secret memorandum six months after the severing of diplomatic relations.