Saudi-Thai Coordination Council holds inaugural meeting in Bangkok

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The first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council is held in Bangkok on Thursday. (SPA)
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The first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council is held in Bangkok on Thursday. (SPA)
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The first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council is held in Bangkok on Thursday. (SPA)
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Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi-Thai Coordination Council holds inaugural meeting in Bangkok

  • Cooperation between nations has been growing in several areas
  • Talks co-chaired by Saudi, Thai foreign ministers

RIYADH: The first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council was held in Bangkok on Thursday, in the latest sign of warming relations between the two nations after diplomatic ties were restored in 2022.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa co-chaired the meeting, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The council aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including politics, security and defense, energy, economy, investment, education, culture, tourism and other areas of common interest.

The co-chairs reviewed relations, emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination and expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of related meetings, which have resulted in more than 70 joint initiatives.

Ties between Saudi Arabia and Thailand stalled in the 1980s but were renewed following a visit by the Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Riyadh at the invitation of the crown prince.

Numerous diplomatic, trade agreements and official visits have followed and the two governments have signed a series of cooperation deals.

Cultural outreach programs include Arabic language training in Thai universities by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, which launched the Arabic Language Month in Thailand in November.

Riyadh also hosted a Thailand International Mega Fair in November, aiming to boost trade between the two countries.

Following Thursday’s meeting, the two sides signed a program for joint cooperation between the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs.

The program was signed by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ambassador Saud Al-Sati and Phubadi La-or-ngern, ambassador and dean of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute.

The next meeting of the council will be held in Saudi Arabia.


Kingdom goes green to celebrate Founding Day

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Kingdom goes green to celebrate Founding Day

  • Parks, streets, public spaces shine with national pride, while cultural programs, family activities bring communities together

RIYADH: Residents of Riyadh took part in an initiative to install First Saudi State flags to mark Founding Day on Feb. 22, organized by the Riyadh municipality.

The initiative, reflecting national pride and drawing community participation, enhanced the festive presence across neighborhoods, parks, streets, and public spaces.

The municipality also organized events across the city and governorates, illuminating main roads and public squares with more than 5,000 decorative lights, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Jeddah municipality launched a multi-day program to mark Founding Day, decorating main roads, squares, and the corniche.

A key event took place at Prince Majid Park on Sunday, featuring falconry, equestrian shows, and traditional handicrafts. Family activities included henna painting and creative workshops for children.

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran marked Founding Day with a multi-night Ramadan program from Feb. 20–22, offering 30 heritage-focused activities in a festive, family-friendly setting.

Visitors enjoyed cultural events, films, exhibitions, and hands-on workshops. Riyadh resident Tiger Lee, visiting Dhahran for the first time, said he came to experience the celebrations and learn more about the Kingdom’s history.

Entry was free, with food outlets, a traditional souq, henna and Sadu weaving sessions, museum and library storytelling, and plaza exhibitions adding to the experience.

Meanwhile, traditional markets in the Baha region turned into lively cultural hubs, showcasing local heritage and national pride, the SPA stated.

Shops were decorated with flags and traditional handicrafts such as palm frond products and pottery, while visitors and locals wore traditional attire. The markets supported local artisans, boosted economic activity, and enhanced the region’s touristic appeal.

Government buildings and private facilities were also illuminated in green, marking 299 years of Saudi history since 1727.

The King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah was illuminated in green to mark the national occasion, reflecting pride, unity, and the Kingdom’s stability and progress.

The Tabuk municipality organized 23 cultural and heritage events across the region’s cities and governorates, in partnership with government and private entities, to highlight the day’s historical significance and strengthen national identity. Parks and public facilities were prepared to host residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, the Jazan municipality decorated the region with more than 1,500 banners and themed displays, transforming streets, parks, and public squares.

In coordination with government departments, the celebrations featured national performances, folk arts, and heritage showcases unique to Jazan.