What's happened
Saudi Arabia has proposed hosting a major WTO meeting in Riyadh in 2028, supported by 22 countries. The proposal was discussed at a WTO meeting in Geneva, with final approval pending. The event coincides with the 20th anniversary of Saudi WTO accession.
What's behind the headline?
Saudi Arabia's bid to host the WTO meeting in 2028 signals a strategic effort to position itself as a key player in global trade diplomacy. The support from 22 countries, including Bangladesh, Kuwait, Russia, Cameroon, and Thailand, indicates regional and international backing. Hosting the event aligns with Saudi's broader ambitions to boost its international standing through high-profile events. The timing, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of its WTO accession, underscores its desire to showcase economic progress. This move could influence future WTO reforms, as Saudi seeks to leverage its regional influence and diversify its economy beyond oil. The proposal also reflects a broader trend of Middle Eastern countries increasing their diplomatic and economic clout on the world stage.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Saudi Arabia's proposal was discussed at a WTO meeting in Geneva, with 22 countries supporting the bid, though a final decision is pending. The article highlights Saudi's strategic use of international events to bolster its image. Reuters and The New Arab both detail China's diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, emphasizing China's support for regional stability and cooperation, which may indirectly influence Saudi's diplomatic positioning. The articles collectively suggest that Saudi's WTO bid is part of a broader regional and global diplomatic strategy, with support from key allies and partners, and reflects its ambitions to increase influence in international trade and diplomacy.
How we got here
Saudi Arabia's proposal to host the WTO's ministerial conference in 2028 was first raised by Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi in October. The country aims to demonstrate its commitment to global trade principles and enhance its international image, which includes hosting major sports and entertainment events like the 2034 World Cup. The WTO's upcoming MC14 in Cameroon will discuss reforms to the organization.
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