RIYADH, 4 July 2007 — Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company, received new British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, William Patey, at his office in Riyadh. The meeting was also attended by Ms. Muna AbuSulaiman, executive manager of Kingdom Foundation, Ms. Heba Fatani, executive manager, Corporate Communications Department, Ahmad ibn Fahad Altobaishi executive assistant to the chairman, Ms. Intisar Al Yamani, media manager, Corporate Communications Department and Ms. Nahlah Alanbar, Protocol Department manager.
The meeting began as ambassador Patey relayed cordial regards from the government and people of the United Kingdom and thanked Prince Alwaleed for giving him the opportunity to meet with him as it is one of his first meetings since he took up post as British ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Prince Alwaleed and Ambassador Patey discussed the strong and warm friendship between their respective counties. Prince Alwaleed mentioned the importance of the long established Saudi-British relations and the efforts made by both countries to maintain it. The two also discussed a number of local, regional and international economic and social issues. The British ambassador referred to Prince Alwaleed's efforts in strengthening and developing the local economy through his investments in the various sectors and the improvements in Saudi Arabian economy under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. Patey also noted Prince Alwaleed's efforts in encouraging the participation of Saudi ladies into the work force.