Georgian PM visits Saudi coastal Neom development
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim informed Garibashvili about the progress of the construction of the futuristic city project and its details. Photo: Government Administration
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday visited the Neom project, a development area in a western coastal region of Saudi Arabia, as part of his visit to the country.
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim informed Garibashvili about the progress of the construction of the futuristic city project and its details, the Georgian Government Administration said.
Under construction in Tabuk province, the 26,500 square kilometre area was launched in 2017, with the $500 billion undertaking seeking to involve high-tech urban development, create 460,000 jobs and increase the country's GDP by $48 billion.
The city design involves provision of places for work, living and recreation without roads, cars or emissions, with authors of the project aiming to see it run on 100 percent renewable energy and incorporate smart city elements while also functioning as a tourist destination.
The importance of “fruitful cooperation” between agencies of Georgia and Saudi Arabia, and the prospects for deepening connections in the field of economy were discussed on Wednesday in a meeting between the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili and Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim, the Minister of Economy and Planning of the Kingdom.
Georgia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to launch a joint business council to further strengthen their bilateral economic cooperation, while Tbilisi has also pledged support for Riyadh’s candidacy to host the Expo 2030 International Exhibition.
“Positive dynamics” of cooperation and prospects for deepening economic cooperation were discussed on Wednesday in a meeting between the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday started his official visit to Saudi Arabia, with the country’s officials welcoming the Georgian delegation at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday ended his two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, the Government Administration said.