Mohamed bin Salman promotes Saudi bid for Expo 2030 in Paris
Saudi Arabia wants to become the second Arab country to host a World Expo. After Dubai in 2020, Riyadh aims to host Expo 2030 under the theme "The Era of Change: Together for a Foreseeable Tomorrow" to share the Kingdom's story of national transformation.
In order to promote this initiative, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman travelled to Paris to attend the Kingdom's official reception, where the Saudi bid was presented to representatives of the 179 member states of the Bureau International des Expositions, the organisation responsible for the event. Also in attendance were French ministers and senior officials, Paris-based diplomats and members of international organisations such as UNESCO.
The participation of HRH the #CrownPrince provides a big boost to the Kingdom's efforts to host Expo-2030. 🇸🇦 https://t.co/yW0Xxcwdp8
— Adel Aljubeir عادل الجبير (@AdelAljubeir) June 19, 2023
During the presentation, Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage and its economic and commercial potential, as well as its "distinctive geographical location and outstanding infrastructure" were highlighted, according to the Saudi Press Agency, SPA. Some of the places highlighted during a virtual tour were King Salman International Airport, the Sports Boulevard and King Salman parks, the tourist city of Diriyah and the Al-Qiddiya megaproject.
Currently, and within the framework of the Vision 2030 initiative, Riyadh is developing innovative and modern projects in line with sustainability in order to improve the well-being of the Kingdom's citizens. During the presentation in Paris, Saudi Arabia pointed to its ability to complete many of these initiatives by 2030, the year of the Expo.
#VIDEO: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomes a number of officials during his arrival at the venue of #SaudiArabia's official reception for #Riyadh's candidacy to host the World Expo 2030, which is currently being held in #Paris #RiyadhExpo2030 pic.twitter.com/YokN8BgFET
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) June 19, 2023
Riyadh, which has the support of countries such as Morocco, will have to compete with Rome (Italy), Busan (South Korea) and Odessa (Ukraine). The final decision will come in November, following a vote by the general assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions.
Israel could support the Saudi bid with a view to establishing relations
Many Arab countries, as well as Morocco, will support the Saudi bid. However, Israel is also expected to do so in a bid to boost normalisation with Saudi Arabia, Kan reveals. According to the broadcaster, an Israeli representative attended the event in Paris after receiving an invitation from Riyadh.
The US has stepped up efforts to have Saudi Arabia follow in the footsteps of the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco and establish ties with Israel, thereby joining the Abraham Accords. This important step would be a milestone for the Middle East and would promote stability in the region. On the other hand, given the figures of partnership between Israel and the Arab countries, normalisation would bring benefits to both.
Mohammed bin Salman and Macron commit to security and stability in the Middle East
During his stay in Paris, the Saudi crown prince took the opportunity to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. During their meeting, both leaders reiterated their commitment to security and stability in the Middle East, expressing their willingness to continue their efforts to de-escalate tensions, reports The National News.
Honored to have taken part in the excellent meeting at the @Elysee between President Emmanuel Macron and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, which focused on strengthening the French Saudi strategic partnership and on regional and international issues of common interest.
— Ludovic Pouille (@ludovic_pouille) June 16, 2023
🇸🇦🤝🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/KkLF4AdJqV
On the other hand, with the aim of maintaining bilateral economic and commercial collaboration, Saudi and French companies signed 24 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoU) in various sectors during the Franco-Saudi Investment Forum held during the visit of Mohammed bin Salman in Paris.
