Saudi Arabia Shows the World its Vision for Expo Riyadh 2030

Artistic paintings and singing performances impressed the forum’s guests (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Artistic paintings and singing performances impressed the forum’s guests (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Shows the World its Vision for Expo Riyadh 2030

Artistic paintings and singing performances impressed the forum’s guests (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Artistic paintings and singing performances impressed the forum’s guests (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The closing forum to host the Riyadh Exhibition (Expo 2030), which was held by the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh, was successful by all standards.

The choice of the place, in the Meudon forest - located west of Paris and known for its beautiful lake and spacious building suitable for major events - was in harmony with the purpose of the Saudi presentation, which is to delight the eyes and ears with the exceptional watercolor paintings.

The artistic scenes presented by the Saudi bands, accompanied by musical performances by a large orchestra of 56 musicians, came to dazzle the forum’s guests. Hundreds of attendees responded to the invitation, highlighting support for Saudi Arabia for winning the hosting of Expo 2030.

It was clear to everyone that the exhibition falls completely within the framework of Vision 2030 and its various ambitions. The large and high-ranking official Saudi delegation, the warm hospitality, and the good organization were all elements that gave the forum a special flavor.

According to the sources of the Saudi delegation, there are serious chances of Saudi Arabia winning the privilege to host the international event, even though Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is deploying great efforts to influence the members of the International Bureau of Exhibitions and win them over to its advantage.

The final word is due to be announced on Nov. 28, on the occasion of the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions, where the competing countries will be given the last opportunity to present their arguments, after which a vote will take place to appoint the winning party immediately.

The Riyadh exhibition carries the slogan, “Together We Shape the Future” (a better tomorrow, climate action and prosperity for all), and will be held for six months (from October 1, 2031 until the end of March 2031).

Organizers expect the event to achieve record numbers on many levels. The exhibition will stretch over 6 million square meters, while 179 countries will join the event. Virtual visitors are expected to reach one billion, and in person visitors will account for 40 million, in addition to the participation of 246 non-governmental bodies.



Türkiye Receives Waiver for Gas Payments to Russia from Gazprombank Sanctions

A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
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Türkiye Receives Waiver for Gas Payments to Russia from Gazprombank Sanctions

A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo

Türkiye has received an exemption for gas payments to Russia after the United States imposed sanctions on Gazprombank, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar revealed in response to a question from Reuters.

The US imposed new sanctions on Russia's Gazprombank in November, creating an obstacle for buyers of Russian gas, which had been using the bank to make payments. They have since been seeking clarification and exploring other ways to pay.

Türkiye imports almost all its gas requirement and Russia is the top supplier, providing more than 50% of the country's pipeline imports.

Ankara's pipeline gas imports from Russia stood at 21.1 bcm last year.

Türkiye had requested an exemption in discussions with US officials so that it can continue paying for Russian natural gas imports via Gazprombank.

The US on Thursday also granted a waiver to Hungary, which mainly relies on Russian oil and gas.