JEDDAH: Close ties between Saudi Arabia and Italy were put in focus by Ambassador Muhammad A. Tayeb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ director general for Makkah Region, at the Italian National Day celebration here on Tuesday night.
“The big gathering (of Saudis and Italians) tonight reflects the high-level of relations that we enjoy bilaterally,” Tayeb said. “What has also brought us closer is Italian culture and food,” he said and expressed his wish for mutual prosperity.
Italian Consul General Adriano M. Santacesaria di Barale in his welcome address said he was happy to know that Jeddawis were speaking the Italian language now more than before.
“Actually, I have lost the count of the shops I opened on the most elegant streets of Jeddah in the recent past, all representing the best of Italian brands, among them Alviero Martini, Dolce e Gabbana, Leonardo Castellano and many others,” he said.
The Italian presence in Jeddah is not only in fashion, but also a number of cultural initiatives taken by the consulate together with European communities.
The unveiling of the new Maserati Granturismo S Automatica luxury car by both Tayeb and the consul general was among the highlights of the event, which also marked the announcement of an Italian culinary week here.
