Ahmed Al Falasi, Saudi Sports Minister discuss cooperation

KONYA, 11th August, 2023 (WAM) — Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of the General Authority of Sports, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Executive Office, discussed with Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Sports, Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation, the bilateral ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the field of sports.

Their meeting took place on the sidelines of the Islamic Solidarity Games held in the Turkish city of Konya.

During the meeting, Dr. Al Falasi highlighted the UAE’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the ninth edition of the Asian Winter Games in 2029, which will be a key step in improving the popularity of winter sports in West Asia.

He also affirmed his support for Riyadh’s hosting of the 2023 World Combat Games, and discussed the possibility of signing cooperation agreements between the two countries in the field of sports.

Dr. Al Falasi then explained the UAE’s efforts to present a distinguished opening ceremony of the first “GCC Youth Games”, which will be held for the first time for the youth from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

He also pointed out the importance of organising joint bilateral meetings and workshops, as well as events for exchanging knowledge and experiences between various sporting entities.

The two sides discussed the formation of joint coordination entities comprising various sporting authorities from both countries to establish appropriate action plans, strategies, programmes and initiatives.