RIYADH, 20 August 2007 — Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), visited Bamako, capital of Mali last Aug. 8. on the invitation of Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré.
On his fourth visit to Mali, the president commended Alwaleed on his efforts and his role in helping economic development in Africa.
During his recent visit, Alwaleed inaugurated the new headquarters of the “Fondation pour l’Enfance” financed by his $1 million donation. The foundation cares for children and their mothers, offers educational programs and extends medical services.
He unveiled a plaque commemorating the laying of the project’s cornerstone in 2006.
The First Lady Touré Lobbo Traore thanked Alwaleed for his unwavering support and friendship.
Alwaleed confirmed his commitment to supporting projects of this type and said: “To me humanitarian projects are very important and the fact that they are directly handled by the First Lady gives me great comfort.”
Alwaleed’s first visit to Mali came in 2003 to meet the President and hold business meetings with various ministers to discuss business opportunities.
During the 2006 visit to Mali, Alwaleed was named an “Honorary Citizen of the City of Bamako” and was presented with the honorary key to the city in an official ceremony attended by dignitaries, high-ranking officials and the citizens of Mali.