Saudi Tourism Minister Partakes in Pacific Islands Forum in Cook Islands
Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb undertook a significant visit to Rarotonga, Cook Islands. This visit was part of a larger mission across the Pacific, aiming to discuss future cooperation in various fields. During his tour he discusses infrastructure development, financial services, investment, transport, education, tourism, and people-to-people links.
Strengthening Tourism Ties
The visit by Minister Al Khateeb follows heightened engagements between the Cook Islands and the Saudi Arabian government. Earlier meetings were held with Prime Minister Mark Brown by Saudi Deputy Minister of Tourism for International Affairs. During their discussions they highlighted growing bilateral relationship. Brown expressed enthusiasm for the visit. He noted the direct and tangible partnership with Saudi Arabia and its contrast to the traditional international and regional financial framework.
Broad Cooperation Spectrum
Discussions extended to multilateral cooperation at various international organizations like UNESCO and the International Maritime Organization. The focus was on shared memberships and common interests between the two countries. The visit’s program was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) and Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI).
Infrastructure and Development
The Cook Islands looked to Saudi Arabia for potential funding for infrastructure projects, marking a new phase in the islands’ economic development strategies. Since formalizing diplomatic relations in April, the Cook Islands and Saudi Arabia have explored possibilities for bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including collaboration on infrastructure projects.
Collaborative Engagement
MFAI Secretary Tepaeru Hermann described the engagement with Saudi Arabia as a pragmatic and responsive partnership, beneficial for both nations. The collaboration has also focused on areas like infrastructure development, financial services, investment, green technology, ocean and seabed minerals development, transport, education, tourism, and people-to-people links.
Addressing Global Challenges
The partnership also addressed the vulnerabilities faced by Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS), such as the Cook Islands, in the context of global challenges like climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Saudi Arabia’s support is significant in mitigating these challenges without exacerbating financial difficulties.
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