The meeting, held at the Jeddah governorate’s headquarters, reflected the growing partnership between the two nations across various fields, including culture, trade, technology, and sustainable urban development.

Both sides exchanged cordial conversations and discussed areas of mutual interest, reaffirming their shared vision for stronger collaboration and long-term friendship.

The discussion was attended by Japanese Consul General in Jeddah Daisuke Yamamoto and members of Governor Koike’s delegation.

The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections and the role of cities as gateways for international cooperation.

The dialogue highlighted how Jeddah, as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading coastal cities, and Tokyo, one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises, share a mutual interest in innovation, smart city development, and sustainable growth.

Governor Koike’s visit to Saudi Arabia formed part of her wider regional tour across the Middle East, showcasing Japan’s dedication to fostering partnerships with Arab countries.

Earlier in the week, she attended the Future Investment Initiative 2025 in Riyadh, where she shared insights on Tokyo’s ambition to become a global financial and creative hub.

During the conference, she joined a panel discussion alongside the renowned creator of “Captain Tsubasa,” Yoichi Takahashi, emphasizing how Japan’s creative industries, particularly manga and anime, can serve as powerful tools for global cultural exchange and tourism development.

Her visit to Jeddah came as both nations continue to explore new opportunities for collaboration in creative industries, renewable energy, education, and tourism.

The meeting also symbolized the strong diplomatic friendship that has long connected Japan and Saudi Arabia, built upon mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to economic progress and innovation.

The discussions reflected optimism about the potential for joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and cultural initiatives that will contribute to the prosperity of both societies.

The meeting between the Tokyo and Jeddah governors highlighted the growing synergy between Japan’s technological expertise and Saudi Arabia’s transformative Vision 2030 agenda.

With Jeddah emerging as a center for tourism and urban modernization, and Tokyo serving as a model for innovation and smart infrastructure, both sides expressed interest in exchanging ideas and strategies to develop sustainable and resilient cities.

They discussed enhancing cooperation in areas such as renewable energy solutions, digital transformation, and cultural heritage preservation.

Governor Koike praised Saudi Arabia’s ongoing development projects, noting the remarkable progress in urban planning, green initiatives, and efforts to create a diversified economy.

She expressed admiration for Jeddah’s vibrant culture and its role as a historical gateway to the Kingdom. In return, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi commended Japan’s leadership in technology, education, and cultural innovation, acknowledging the importance of collaboration in achieving shared development goals.

The meeting also emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations.

Through initiatives such as cultural festivals, student exchange programs, and creative partnerships, Japan and Saudi Arabia aim to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen global cooperation.

Koike’s visit to the region, which included stops in the UAE, Kuwait, and Egypt, demonstrates Japan’s growing engagement with the Middle East and its commitment to long-term collaboration built on trust and respect.

As the meeting concluded, both leaders expressed optimism about the future of Tokyo-Jeddah relations, envisioning a partnership that promotes innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth.

The dialogue reinforced the shared belief that collaboration between cities can serve as a foundation for stronger global relations and mutual prosperity.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the ninth Future Investment Initiative conference, reflected both nations’ shared commitment to advancing cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development.

The discussions focused on expanding collaboration across several key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and technology.

Both sides emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and building resilient supply chains that support long-term prosperity.

The dialogue also highlighted opportunities for joint ventures and investment projects that align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and Vietnam’s economic modernization agenda.

During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their countries’ determination to enhance trade exchanges and develop new pathways for private sector engagement.

Vietnam, one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, has expressed strong interest in exploring Saudi Arabia’s dynamic investment environment, particularly in renewable energy, digital transformation, and logistics.

In turn, Saudi Arabia views Vietnam as a vital gateway to Southeast Asia, offering valuable opportunities for cooperation in manufacturing, agriculture, and technology-driven industries.

Minister Faisal Alibrahim underlined Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a sustainable and diversified economy that welcomes international partnerships.

He noted that Vietnam’s technological expertise and its expanding industrial base complement the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global hub for investment and innovation.

The meeting also explored potential cooperation in green energy initiatives, aligning with both countries’ shared vision for a more sustainable future.

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung praised Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic transformation and its leadership in fostering international collaboration.

He expressed Vietnam’s readiness to work closely with the Kingdom in areas that promote mutual growth, including digital economy development, infrastructure expansion, and agricultural trade.

Both parties agreed to continue high-level dialogues and establish frameworks to translate their discussions into actionable projects.

In addition to his talks with the Vietnamese delegation, Minister Alibrahim held meetings with global financial leaders attending the Future Investment Initiative.

He met with International Finance Corporation Managing Director Makhtar Diop to discuss the latest economic trends and explore opportunities to enhance financial cooperation in the Kingdom.

The discussions emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and innovative financing models to accelerate development goals.

Minister Alibrahim also met with World Economic Forum President and CEO Borge Brende to exchange views on recent global economic developments and ongoing collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the WEF.

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on issues such as digital transformation, sustainability, and global investment flows. Their dialogue underscored the Kingdom’s growing influence in shaping the future of the global economy.

The meetings reflect Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to fostering international alliances that drive progress, promote innovation, and encourage economic diversification.

As the Kingdom continues to build bridges with global partners, the partnership with Vietnam stands out as a promising example of shared ambition and mutual benefit.

By combining Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision and investment power with Vietnam’s innovation and manufacturing capabilities, both nations are setting the stage for a new era of collaboration that supports sustainable growth, enhances regional connectivity, and contributes to global economic resilience.

This renewed partnership marks another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to position itself as a leading global investment destination and a key driver of international cooperation.

Their participation highlights the growing global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in fostering international collaboration and driving sustainable investment opportunities across emerging markets.

The two prime ministers were warmly received at King Khalid International Airport by Riyadh Region Deputy Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz and other senior Saudi officials.

Their arrival underscores the Kingdom’s expanding diplomatic and economic engagement with global partners through platforms such as the FII, which brings together world leaders, investors, innovators, and policymakers.

The Future Investment Initiative serves as a global hub for strategic dialogue on innovation, sustainability, and economic transformation.

It provides a powerful platform for countries to explore partnerships that advance technological progress, green energy transitions, and inclusive economic development in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa’s participation reinforces the commitment to enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Palestine in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology.

His attendance reflects the shared goal of building stronger economic bridges that support long-term growth and social development in the region.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic’s presence also demonstrates Montenegro’s growing interest in strengthening trade, investment, and innovation ties with the Kingdom.

As a nation focused on digital transformation and sustainable development, Montenegro’s participation in FII9 aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of creating a global network of partnerships that accelerate innovation and economic diversification.

FII9 continues to attract high-profile international participation, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to being a leader in shaping the future of global investment.

The conference highlights new opportunities for collaboration across industries such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, biotechnology, and advanced infrastructure, promoting shared prosperity and innovation-driven growth.

By hosting influential world leaders and decision-makers, Riyadh reaffirms its position as a key global center for dialogue, investment, and transformation.

The arrival of the Palestinian and Montenegrin prime ministers further enhances the event’s diplomatic significance and reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to unite nations around shared goals of progress, sustainability, and prosperity.

What Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has achieved for the Kingdom is nothing short of extraordinary and exciting…

Upon observing the development process in countries all around the world where major leaps have been achieved, it becomes clear that creating significant change and transformation does not happen overnight, but rather it takes decades. There is no denying that what Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has achieved for the Kingdom is nothing short of extraordinary and exciting. Saudi Arabia has taken giant developmental leaps all across the board.

In this context, I would like to highlight the importance of keeping track of the Crown Prince’s interviews and speeches in order to understand how well thought-out and carefully constructed his development methodology is. We must all take pride in the rapid progress that is being achieved and witness how the dreams we barely entertained years ago have turned into reality. Accordingly, allow me to repeat what the Crown Prince said at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum, “the numbers speak for themselves.”

In an interview with Turki al-Dakhil in 2016, His Highness pointed out that Saudi Arabia has two major strong points: its Arab and Islamic depth, and its investment strength. He also shed light on many achievements and future plans in a wide range of areas including investment in tourism, localization of the military industry, development of the government apparatus, the Hajj and Umrah program, project management and follow-up, as well as the Saudi human resources strategy, in addition to many others.

With reference to another interview with Dawood al-Shirian in 2017, His Highness has made many promises and backed them up by exact figures. No one can deny how these promises have been successfully fulfilled, especially with regard to non-oil revenues, local content, housing, the Public Investment Fund, the Citizen Account Program, the fight against corruption, and others.

A few days ago, His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, for what was included in his speech to the Shura Council, stressing that the Kingdom was able to make unprecedented achievements in a very short period of time of less than four years.

Among them are the following:

In 2016, non-oil GDP stood at 1.8 trillion Saudi riyal, with plans to double this number at a rapid pace. The outcome of these plans has been accelerated growth over the past three years. This growth was estimated at 1.3 percent in 2017, 2.2 percent in 2018, 3.3 percent in 2019, and more than four percent in the fourth quarter of 2019, despite some economic challenges.

During 2018, the unemployment rate was approximately 13 percent. However, after a series of reforms that increased the efficiency of government entities, investments of the Public Investment Fund, programs and other government initiatives, the unemployment rate has dropped to 11.8 percent at the beginning of 2020. By the end of 2020, Saudi Arabia will be among the least affected countries by the coronavirus pandemic from the G20 countries that witnessed a surge in unemployment rates reaching up to 20 percent and more. The programs and policies put in place by the government will achieve a decrease in the rate of unemployment to seven percent by 2030.

Initially, when the comprehensive economic reform program was being drafted, the Vision 2030 Housing Realization Program committed to increasing the percentage of Saudi household home ownership rates by 5 percent within four years. Back then, the percentage was approximately 47 percent, which means it was supposed to reach 52 percent in 2020, a percentage that is considered highly favorable by international standards. Today, however, we have reached 60 percent, thus exceeding the target by 8 percent.

The size of the Public Investment Fund has doubled from 560 billion riyal to more than 1.3 trillion riyal, and the fund’s assets exceeded 7 trillion riyal. When the fund was established, the rate of return on investments was no more than 2 percent, at best. Today, the Public Investment Fund achieves no less than 7 percent with investments whose returns exceeded 70 percent, and others that even exceeded 140 percent.

The tourism sector’s contribution to GDP has increased to 3.6 percent in 2018. The number of events held in the Kingdom has reached up to 3,400 events in 2019, which contributed to raising spending rates inside the Kingdom for citizens, residents, visitors, and tourists.

The percentage of citizens practicing sports increased from 13 percent in 2015 to 19 percent in 2019. The sector’s contribution to GDP grew from 2.4 billion riyal in 2016 to 6.5 billion riyal in 2018, which is an increase of 170 percent in just two years.

Saudi Arabia has achieved first place in digital competitiveness at the level of the G20 countries in the past three years and has jumped 40 places in the digital infrastructure for communications and information technology.

In this exceptional journey of success, transformation and reform, many achievements and figures can be cited as proof of this historic undertaking, especially when we examine the progress achieved due to the Saudi Vision 2030, and its young godfather.

Finally, I would like to quote Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, “We are talking today about a vision, and this vision is a road map for our objectives in the fields of development and economy.” Therefore, my answer to the question posed in the title of this article would be; without the efforts of His Highness Mohammed bin Salman, we would have remained stuck in the same place, with no major achievements, roadmap or plans for a better future.

Article first published in Arabic on Al-Riyadh Newspaper. It’s translated in English by Al-Arabiya News Agency.

Amjad Almunif is a Saudi columnist and blogger who writes for al-Riyadh daily. He is also the managing director of SMT Studies Center and executive director of Elleven for communication and public relations. He tweets @Amjad_Almunif.

PM Modi said that India is aiming to invest $100 billion in refining, pipeline and gas terminals by 2024 to create energy infrastructure.

He also emphasized that the country aims to be a $5 trillion economy in the next five years.

In the infrastructure sector alone, the government aims to have an investment of $1.5 trillion in the next five years, he added.

Modi also said, “I thank Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and my brother Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for inviting me to participate in the forum,” while speaking about Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and status as global energy hub.

“My friend and brother Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman deserves the heartiest congratulations for this success. This forum is know as ‘Davos in Desert’ and in the last century the hard work of the people of Saudi Arabia and the bounties of nature it is blessed with has converted the sands of Arabia into gold,” he said.

Earlier, he met Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Al-e-Saud and discussed variety of partnership deals between India and Saudi Arabia.