Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — ​​​​​​​Tonga’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanau affirmed her government’s support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the World Expo in 2030.

Utoikamanau held a bilateral meeting on Wednesday with Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb in Riyadh.

Tonga and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations in 2020. The Saudi minister of tourism was one of the first foreign dignitaries to visit Tonga this year, following two years of border closures.

Tonga’s foreign minister acknowledged that the leadership of Saudi Arabia has shown over the past few years interest to boost its tourism industry with an ambitious plan to attract 100 million visitors by 2030.

“During my visit, it became 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.

The Saudi minister for tourism acknowledged that even if diplomatic relations between Tonga and Saudi Arabia began only recently, the reciprocal high-level visits signal the commitment by both sides to strengthen the friendly relations that have developed between the two kingdoms.

Utoikamanau attended the “22nd World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit” which took place from 28 November to 1 December.

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