VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia, Esam Abid Althagafi, met with Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister, Zainudin Amali, as part of efforts to seek support for his country's bid for hosting the 2030 Asian Games.

The Youth and Sports Ministry will coordinate with the Foreign Ministry to discuss Saudi's interest in hosting the 2030 Asian Games, Amali said in a press statement released on Thursday.

He further said he had advised the Saudi ambassador to hold talks with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Indonesia and other Asian countries.

"We want to help (Saudi Arabia) so support for its bid will become stronger. I hope that Saudi Arabia will hold talks with other countries about the matter," he said.

Ambassador Althagafi said he hoped for Indonesia's support for his country's bid for hosting the event.

"Hence, (I think) Indonesia will support Saudi Arabia's bid (to host the 2030 Asian Games). Thank you (the Youth and Sports Ministry) for the quick response so we can meet. We also have coordination with other countries," he said.

He said Saudi Arabia pays great attention to sports. Hence, cooperation between the two nations in the sports field can be expanded, he added.

"Saudi Arabia pays extraordinary attention to the development of sports. Thus, attention is expanded to be able to cooperate with friendship countries. We have decided to nominate for the host of 2030 Asian Games,” he said. (Antaranews)