Restoring Diplomatic Relations, Rising Regional Tensions, and Climate Action Highlight UN Assembly Amid Global Developments
Bahrain and Kuwait discuss restoring diplomatic ties with Iran at the UN, while Saudi Arabia leads G20 tourism growth with a 73% rise in international visitors.
During the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya each met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss restoring diplomatic relations. While Al Zayani emphasized good neighborliness, Al-Yahya focused on bilateral relations and regional developments, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve Middle Eastern ties.
In a related regional development, Iraqi Pro-Iran militants launched a drone strike on Israel on September 22, 2024, which Israel's military successfully intercepted. This attack, claimed by the Islamic Resistance of Iraq in support of Gaza, comes amid rising tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon also launching rockets at Israeli sites.
Moving on to Asia, heavy rains have caused devastating floods and landslides in Japan's Noto Peninsula, resulting in one death and leaving six people missing. The city of Wajima, already reeling from a major earthquake earlier this year, saw further destruction, complicating rescue efforts and prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.
Meanwhile, back at the UN General Assembly, top UN leaders including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for global action on climate change and artificial intelligence at the Summit of the Future on September 22-23. The summit aims to restore trust in multilateralism and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, calling for reform and contributions from all sectors of society.
On a more positive note, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the leader in G20 tourism growth with a 73% rise in international visitors in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019. This achievement aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative and has also led to a 207% surge in international tourism revenues during this period, enhancing its status as a global travel destination.
Lastly, Saudi Arabia also shined at MIHAS 2024, the world’s largest halal trade fair in Kuala Lumpur, by securing third place. The event, showcasing Saudi Arabia's 38 booths among participants from 66 countries, highlighted the nation’s significant role in the global halal market and plans for further expansion with MIHAS@Dubai.
In a related regional development, Iraqi Pro-Iran militants launched a drone strike on Israel on September 22, 2024, which Israel's military successfully intercepted. This attack, claimed by the Islamic Resistance of Iraq in support of Gaza, comes amid rising tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon also launching rockets at Israeli sites.
Moving on to Asia, heavy rains have caused devastating floods and landslides in Japan's Noto Peninsula, resulting in one death and leaving six people missing. The city of Wajima, already reeling from a major earthquake earlier this year, saw further destruction, complicating rescue efforts and prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.
Meanwhile, back at the UN General Assembly, top UN leaders including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for global action on climate change and artificial intelligence at the Summit of the Future on September 22-23. The summit aims to restore trust in multilateralism and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, calling for reform and contributions from all sectors of society.
On a more positive note, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the leader in G20 tourism growth with a 73% rise in international visitors in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019. This achievement aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative and has also led to a 207% surge in international tourism revenues during this period, enhancing its status as a global travel destination.
Lastly, Saudi Arabia also shined at MIHAS 2024, the world’s largest halal trade fair in Kuala Lumpur, by securing third place. The event, showcasing Saudi Arabia's 38 booths among participants from 66 countries, highlighted the nation’s significant role in the global halal market and plans for further expansion with MIHAS@Dubai.
