Saudi delegation makes first-ever visit to Solomon Islands

Honiara, Solomon Islands – A key tourism and investment team from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has for the first time made a visit to the Solomon Islands.

Led by Tourism Minister, His Excellency, Ahmed Agil Alkhateeb, the delegation’s visit served a dual purpose.

Intended to strengthen relationships between the two countries, the minister’s visit, part of a South Pacific multi-country tour, was also intended to lobby support from the Solomon Islands for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2030 World EXPO.

While in Honiara, the minister met with the Solomon Islands’ Supervising Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Harry Kuma, who discussed the possibility of exploring opportunities for further cooperation in tourism between the two countries and presented his counterpart with a Nguzunguzu and traditional shell money.

Following this meeting, the Saudi minister attended a brief courtesy meeting with Prime Minister, Manesseh Sogavare.

The minister also made time to learn more about the Solomon Islands’ unique culture with visits to both the National Art Gallery and the National Museum.

Adding further weight to his visit, His Excellency, Ahmed Agil Alkhateeb is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Fund for Development.

The fund holds in excess of Saudi Riyals SAR31,000,000,000 which is the current equivalent of SBD67,185,618,804.

The main objective of the Saudi Fund for Development founded in 1974 is to participate in financing development projects in developing countries by granting them the necessary loans, technical aids necessary for financing studies and institutional support and overall financing.

The Solomon Islands has enjoyed a diplomatic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 2014.