The second ministerial meeting between Arab League member states and small developing Pacific Island countries, chaired by Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, resulted in the issuance of the “Riyadh Declaration” on Monday. The declaration addressed several matters of mutual importance, and one of its outcomes was the support of participating countries in nominating Saudi Arabia to host Expo 2030.
The conference, attended by the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, reflected on the outcomes of the first joint meeting held between the two sides on June 24, 2010, in Abu Dhabi. It affirmed “the shared commitment to developing a constructive partnership between the Arab League and the small developing Pacific Island countries, enhancing South-South cooperation and achieving mutual benefits.”
The conference also took note of the “Declaration of the Pacific Islands Forum on the Conservation of Marine Areas in the Face of Sea Level Rise Linked to Climate Change.” This declaration identified marine areas established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982 and called for the continued implementation of rights and entitlements associated with them, without reduction, regardless of any physical changes resulting from sea level rise linked to climate change.
It is worth noting that the Pacific Islands Forum has declared a climate emergency in the Pacific region, and collective efforts to implement the Paris Agreement have been agreed upon, as stated in the declaration.
The Riyadh Declaration highlights the importance of cooperation and partnership between Arab League member states and Pacific Island countries, encompassing various fields of mutual interest. The support for Saudi Arabia’s nomination to host Expo 2030 demonstrates the recognition of its capabilities and potential to organize and host a significant global event.
Expo 2030 is expected to provide an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase its cultural heritage, technological advancements, and economic potential to a global audience. The successful bid to host this international exhibition would further enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading destination for international events and contribute to the country’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy.
The nomination by the Arab League and Pacific Island countries reflects their confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to effectively organize and host Expo 2030, contributing to global cooperation and promoting cultural exchange among nations.
