Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal has signed multiple cooperation agreements with participating nations at the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, marking a significant expansion of the Kingdom’s sports diplomacy initiatives. The agreements, signed on November 7, 2025, establish frameworks for youth development and sports collaboration with Brunei Darussalam, Somalia, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Iraq.
Context and Background
The signing ceremony took place during the opening days of the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, a prestigious multi-sport event running from November 7 to 21, 2025. The Games represent Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a major host of international sporting events and showcase the Kingdom’s state-of-the-art sports infrastructure.
These agreements build upon Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties through sports, while simultaneously developing its sports sector as part of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy.
Agreement Details
The cooperation framework includes two distinct types of agreements. Memoranda of Understanding were signed with Brunei Darussalam and Somalia, focusing on youth activities, exchange programs, and joint sports initiatives. These agreements emphasize knowledge sharing and participation in various national, regional, and international conferences.
Additionally, executive programs for 2026-2027 were established with Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Iraq, specifically targeting youth and sports development. These programs are designed to create practical pathways for collaboration and mutual growth in the sports sector.
International Impact
The agreements represent a significant step in strengthening diplomatic relations through sports diplomacy, particularly within the Islamic world. They demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and supporting sports development across multiple regions, from Central Asia to Southeast Asia and the Horn of Africa.
These partnerships are expected to facilitate athlete exchanges, joint training programs, and shared access to sports facilities and expertise, benefiting all participating nations.
Vision 2030 Alignment
These international sports cooperation agreements directly support several key objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in promoting sports participation, developing the sports economy, and enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global sports hub. By fostering international partnerships and hosting major sporting events like the Islamic Solidarity Games, Saudi Arabia continues to advance its goals of becoming a world-class destination for sports and entertainment while promoting cultural exchange and economic diversification.