Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

The announcement comes as construction on the pavilion enters its final stages in preparation for the Kingdom’s participation in the global exhibition, set to start in April. (SPA)
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Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

  • Kingdom’s Dr. Ghazi Binzagr takes on new duties for global exhibition which opens in April

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr has been appointed the general commissioner for the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

The announcement comes as construction on the pavilion enters its final stages in preparation for the Kingdom’s participation in the global exhibition, set to start in April.

Binzagr, who has been ambassador since 2024, will continue his current duties alongside his new responsibilities as the general commissioner, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

He has also served as a member of the Shoura Council for three terms and previously held the position of deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2023 to 2024.

As ambassador, Binzagr oversees initiatives to boost relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

He also recently contributed to the Saudi-Japanese Business Forum and has been actively engaged in collaborative initiatives in key areas including energy security, technology, trade and investment.

The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka embodies its commitment to international efforts for sustainable human development.

In February of last year, Saudi Arabia was among the first nations to begin constructing their pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka site.

The design reflects the Kingdom’s history, culture and current economic transformation, the SPA reported.


Saudi Arabia, India agree on mutual short-stay visa exemptions to boost bilateral exchanges

Updated 18 December 2025
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Saudi Arabia, India agree on mutual short-stay visa exemptions to boost bilateral exchanges

  • Agreement makes official travel easier between the 2 countries

RIYADH: In a significant move to cut through bureaucratic procedures, Saudi Arabia and India have signed a bilateral visa waiver agreement, with both countries agreeing on mutual short-stay visa exemptions to facilitate official travel and boost bilateral exchanges.

Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan and Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari, the deputy minister for protocol affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed the agreement — the latter on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan — at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday.

“The agreement will facilitate official travel and boost bilateral exchanges under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council,” Khan told Arab News.

The agreement provides mutual exemption from short-stay visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports from both countries.

It signifies a step forward in bilateral relations, making official travel easier for government, diplomatic and special envoys, and reflects the growing trust and cooperation between the two countries.

The deal is expected to streamline the movement of officials between the Kingdom and India and strengthen cooperation across various sectors under the strategic partnership framework established between the countries.