24/10/2023
24/10/2023
DHAKA, Bangladesh, Oct 24, (Agencies): Bangladesh's foreign minister has affirmed the nation's support for Saudi Arabia in its efforts to host Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence in the Kingdom's ability to successfully organize both prestigious events.
Saudi Arabia has already garnered substantial international support for hosting these two major global events, making it a strong contender. Bangladesh formally extended its support for Expo 2030 in August, and Foreign Minister Abdul Momen confirmed the country's commitment to standing with Saudi Arabia for the FIFA World Cup during an interview with Arab News on Monday.
Momen stated, "Our Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has conveyed to the Saudi government that we will support them. We are fully behind them in organizing Expo 2030. Additionally, they have requested our support for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and we have pledged our support to Saudi Arabia for this endeavor."
The foreign minister believes that Saudi Arabia's forward-looking approach and abundant resources make it well-equipped to ensure the success of both events. He expressed optimism about the Kingdom's ability to attract international participation, saying, "They will be successful in this endeavor. Saudi Arabia has plenty of assets, and their arrangements will be excellent. That's why I believe many countries will be keen to participate."
World Expo 2030 has three competing host proposals, with Saudi Arabia vying to hold it in Riyadh, South Korea in Busan, and Italy in Rome. The host nation will be elected during the general assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions on November 28.
As for the FIFA World Cup in 2034, FIFA has invited bids from Asia and Oceania, setting an application deadline of October 31. Saudi Arabia, which announced its bid for the 2034 tournament on October 4, plans to deliver a world-class event, drawing inspiration from the Kingdom's ongoing societal and economic transformation and its deep-rooted passion for football. The bid is supported by Saudi Arabia's growing experience in hosting top-tier football events and its plans to welcome fans from around the world for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.