RIYADH: Georgia is supporting Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the Expo 2030, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has said in a joint statement released Thursday during his official visit.

Garibashvili reiterated his confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to hold a successful edition of the global fair during a meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace, according to the statement published on state news agency (SPA).

The Saudi crown prince thanked Garibashvili for Georgia’s support for the Kingdom’s efforts to host the quinquennial event.

During the prime minister’s visit, both leaders discussed bilateral ties and issues of common concern. They pledged to strengthen cooperation between both countries across various sectors including trade, economy, tourism, healthcare, education, security, renewable energy, investment and IT.
They also explored increasing the number of flights between both countries to boost tourism and achieve mutual interests.

On Yemen, the leaders reiterated their support to the United Nations’ efforts to reach a political solution in the country. Garibashvili praised Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people, its initiatives to end the war in Yemen and encourage dialogue between the warring parties.

The two leaders also called for dialogue and diplomacy to end the Russia-Ukraine war, with Garibashvili praising Saudi Arabia’s recent $400 million donation to Ukraine and the mediation efforts in the latest prisoner swap.

Earlier on Wednesday, Garibashvili and his accompanying delegation were received at King Khalid International Airport by the deputy governor of Riyadh region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim, and other officials.