Saudis commemorates 95th national day
By Abdul-Wahid Kakande
The main ballroom at the Sheraton hotel in Kampala was on Wednesday decorated with green and white, the Saudi colours as its nationals in the country were joined by several high profile local Muslims to commemorate their country’s 95th national day.
On September 23, 1932, several territories unified into the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under King Abdulaziz ibn Saud, the custodian of the two holy mosques.
Speaking at the event, Mohammed Bin Khalil Faroudah, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Uganda explained that their country’s national day signifies the culmination of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman-al Saudi’s endeavours to unify the disparate territories and establish a modern state grounded in core principles and values.
“Our country’s national day has evolved into a symbol of unity, stability and progress, representing a day of profound loyalty to our homeland and pride in its rich heritage and significant accomplishments,” Faroudah noted.
Faroudah hailed strengthened bilateral ties with Uganda marked by a rise in trade and collaborative endeavours across various sectors.
He noted that the strengthened bilateral relationship between the two nations has resulted into a number of development initiatives such as the ongoing construction and equipping of the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) project.
He explained that the goal for the project is to bolster the country’s health system and expand its capacity to provide local treatment for heart patients.
“This project is aimed at reducing the need for the heart patients from seeking medical care overseas,” Faroudah said.
Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) provided $30 million (about sh104 billion) loan for the project, which is part of a larger $70 million (about sh244 billion) financing package from a consortium of lenders including the OPEC Fund for International Development and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
Faroudah observed that the relationship between Uganda and Saudi Arabia has flourished in recent years founded upon the principles of friendship and mutual collaboration.
Other development initiatives cited by Faroudah are the recently launched direct flights from Entebbe Airport to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which he said has facilitated trade between the two countries.
In regard to the global peace, Faroudah said the kingdom has actively engaged in international efforts to address critical geopolitical challenges.
“Saudi Arabia has taken proactive steps to mediate the Russia-Ukraine crisis exemplified by hosting of national security advisors in August 2023 and a subsequent meeting in March this year,” Faroudah noted.
In partnership with France, Faroudah said Saudi Arabia has suggested a two-state solution to both the Russia-Ukraine crisis and that of Israel and Palestine.
On behalf of the government, Dr Mohamed Ahamed Kisuule, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East Affairs commended Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian programs in the country, which he said have created an impact.
“Uganda welcomes the creation of the Saudi-Uganda business council and believes that it is a good forum for strengthening the mechanisms of trade and investment in energy, mining, infrastructure and other business areas of mutual cooperation,” Kisuule said.
Kisuule said a stronger Saudi-Uganda partnership can contribute to regional integration and deliver a shared prosperity for both countries.
