https://arab.news/4xvdm
- Decision a sign of ‘confidence’ in Kingdom, foreign ministry says
- Riyadh sees off rival bids by Rome, Busan
CAIRO: Egypt has congratulated the Kingdom on Riyadh’s successful bid to host World Expo 2030.
“Saudi Arabia’s victory in organizing this important international event in the first round of voting reflects the amount of appreciation for the offer made by the Kingdom and confidence in its ability to organize the event,” the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said.
It also wished the “brotherly people of Saudi Arabia” continued success and progress.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit described the awarding of the event to Riyadh as “a new Arab success in addition to previous successes in hosting major international events.”
Arab Parliament speaker Adel Abdulrahman Al-Asoumi said the decision “reflects the great international confidence in the Kingdom’s ability and excellence in organizing international exhibitions and events” and “highlights the exceptional ability of the city of Riyadh to host global events of this level.”
In a vote on Tuesday, Riyadh was selected by 119 of the 165 member states of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions, which oversees the World Expo.
The Italian capital, Rome, and South Korean port city of Busan were also in the race to host the event.