Tonga supports Saudi Arabia's bid to host 2030 World Expo [1]
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 06:19
The Government of Tonga has affirmed its support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2030 World Expo at a bilateral meeting in Riyahd, 30 November.
Tonga's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Tourism, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, met with Saudi Arabia's Tourism Minister, HE Mr. Ahmed Al Khateeb and exchanged gifts, during the meeting.
Tonga's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Tonga and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations in 2020 and the Saudi Minister for Tourism was one of the first foreign dignitaries to visit Tonga this year, following two-years of border closure. “This marks the commitment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to accelerate its cooperation with Tonga.”
The visit was reciprocated by Tonga’s Foreign Minister to Saudi Arabia this week at the invitation of the Saudi Minister for Tourism.
Hon. 'Utoikamanu acknowledged the leadership shown by Saudi Arabia over the last few years to boost its tourism industry and the ambitious plan to attract 100 million visitors by 2030.
“During my visit it is obvious that the Saudi Government is committed to boosting sustainable tourism. The investments in smart, environmentally sound infrastructure place Saudi Arabia as a global leader in responsible development and growth,” she said.
In addition, the Saudi Tourism Minister acknowledged that even if the relations between Tonga and Saudi Arabia are recent, the reciprocal high-level visits signalled the commitment by both sides to strengthen the friendly relations that have developed between the two Kingdoms.
Hon. 'Utoikamanu also attended the 22nd World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit held from 28 November to 1 December.
The summit was the largest held in recent years, welcoming 57 Tourism Ministers, 250 CEOs, 8000 registered participants and 3,000 in-person participants
For Tonga, it provided the opportunity to access tourism providers both public and private in the effort to boost development prospects, the Minister said.