Kampala, (UG): The Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Uganda, H.E. Jamal Mohammed Al Madani has expressed the gratitude exhibited by the warm hospitality at the 93rd Saudi National Day commemorations held last Friday in Kampala.
The event which commemorates the historic unification of the dual Kingdoms of the Hejaz and Najd into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, brought together many diplomats, leaders, and distinguished dignitaries, in the spirit of friendship & camaraderie.
In his address, H.E. Jamal Al Madani reflected on the enduring and friendly relations between the two nations since the 1970s. He emphasized the various agreements signed in recent years that have bolstered bilateral relations such as the significant loan agreement worth 30 million US Dollars to equip and rehabilitate the Uganda Heart Institute.
Additionally, the Ambassador disclosed that annual scholarships for Ugandan students to study in various fields in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been increased, alongside an augmentation in the number of Ugandan workers in the Kingdom to over two hundred thousand (200,000) workers, who annually remit hundreds of millions of dollars.
Representing President Museveni at the event, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda who is the Special Envoy for Special Duties for the Presidency saluted the existing solid, cordial and productive relations between Uganda and Saudi Arabia and acknowledged the valuable support the Middle East Kingdom has continuously offered to Uganda.
Dr Rugunda highlighted some of the invaluable support such as; scholarship grants to Ugandan students, rehabilitating and expanding Kayunga and Yumbe General Hospitals, constructing and equipping Vocational institutions with support from the Arab Bank for Economic Development, and most recently, signing of a USD 30 million agreement to fund the construction and equipping of the Uganda Heart Institute Project.
“We need to continue tapping into available opportunities for the benefit of the citizens of our two countries.”
On his part, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Hajji Abbey Walusimbi said he was truly impressed by the warm reception and hospitality at the event, adding that such interactions strengthen bonds, and open avenues for collaboration, emphasizing his commitment to fostering goodwill and bilateral cooperation.
“I am looking forward to working with Ambassador Jamal Almadani, to build stronger ties between our countries,” Ambassador Walusimbi noted.
The auspicious occasion was also attended by the Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the State Minister for Defence/Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East Affairs, Ambassador Sheikh Ahmed Kisuule, the Special Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, Odrek Rwabwogo, Bugiri Municipality MP, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, RCC for Kampala, Ms Amina Lukanga, Director of Labour, and Foreign Affairs dignitaries, among others.
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