Foreign Ministers Meet ahead of GCC Summit

Gulf foreign ministers meet ahead of the GCC summit.
Gulf foreign ministers meet ahead of the GCC summit.
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Foreign Ministers Meet ahead of GCC Summit

Gulf foreign ministers meet ahead of the GCC summit.
Gulf foreign ministers meet ahead of the GCC summit.

The foreign ministers of member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council held on Sunday a preparatory meeting ahead of the council’s upcoming 41st summit.

The meeting, which was chaired by Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani, was held virtually amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The talks covered the agenda of the summit and relevant recommendations on bolstering joint Gulf work in political, economic and social fields. The agenda will also tackle latest regional developments.

The summit is scheduled for January 5.

Sunday’s meeting included the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. Qatar’s foreign minister was absent. He was represented by the minister of state for foreign affairs.

The Bahraini foreign ministry said that Zayani expressed his “complete confidence in the wise Saudi leadership and its central role in maintaining Gulf unity” and overcoming the current rift among its members.

He hoped that the row would be resolved so that a new phase of dialogue among Gulf countries would be established in order for them to achieve common goals.

He stressed the need to combat terrorism and end all regional conflicts and disputes through peaceful means, international agreements and the principle of good neighborliness.

Earlier this month, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser al-Mohammed Al-Sabah revealed that “fruitful” talks have been held to resolve the Gulf rift between Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt with Qatar.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had stated that resolving the dispute was within reach.

Bahrain will assume the presidency of the GCC in January.



Expo 2030 Riyadh Registration Dossier Receives BIE Final Approval at Paris General Assembly

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)
Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)
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Expo 2030 Riyadh Registration Dossier Receives BIE Final Approval at Paris General Assembly

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)
Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)

Expo 2030 Riyadh's Registration Dossier has received final approval during the Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) General Assembly in Paris, marking the final step in confirming the Kingdom as the official host country for the upcoming Expo. As part of the proceedings, BIE handed over the World Expo flag to Saudi Arabia's delegation.

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly, which included Saudi Ambassador to France Fahad bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaily, and other officials.

The Registration Dossier serves as a comprehensive blueprint, highlighting Saudi Arabia's vision of hosting an exceptional Expo that reflects its ambitions towards innovation and global collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, Al-Sultan extended his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continuous support in the Kingdom's hosting of this landmark global exhibition.

“The approval of the Registration Dossier in record time highlights the Kingdom's leadership on the global stage and underscores the world's confidence in Saudi Arabia's vision and capabilities. It also reflects the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the teams involved in preparing and reviewing the Registration Dossier,” he stressed.

“This milestone marks a significant step forward in the Kingdom's journey to deliver an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the World Expo, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.”

Riyadh is the first Expo host to complete and submit its Registration Dossier in such a short timeframe, almost half the time usually required for this kind of dossier. The approval of the Registration Dossier unlocks the next phase of formal preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh, which includes extending official invitations to international participants through diplomatic channels.

Set to take place from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh will be one of the largest Expos ever, held on a six million sqm site. The site is designed to welcome over 40 million visits through world-class infrastructure, hospitality venues, and cutting-edge facilities. The site will ensure an unforgettable experience for all participants and visitors, with a target of more than 195 participating nations.

The approval of the Registration Dossier underscores Saudi Arabia's readiness to deliver a world-class Expo. With its bold vision, strategic planning, and unwavering support from the Kingdom's Leadership, Expo 2030 Riyadh is poised to be a landmark event that inspires progress, fosters innovation, and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.