RIYADH, 29 June 2005 — Prince Alwaleed ibn Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company, received Philippine Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla and Tunisian Ambassador Salah Eddine Maaoui at his office here.
During his meeting with the Philippine ambassador, the prince discussed a number of social and economic issues. The ambassador extended an invitation to the prince to visit the Philippines and explore the prospects for investment in the light of his influential and global investments. Guinomla referred to the various potential investment opportunities available across the Philippines, especially its tourism and hotel sectors. The country has some of the most picturesque beaches and islands.
Echoing the ambassador’s statement that the bilateral relations were strong, Prince Alwaleed said: “The bilateral relations are positive and good for economic development.” Prince Alwaleed promised to visit the country in the near future.
The prince and Ambassador Maaoui discussed social and economic issues, aside from Saudi-Tunisian relations. Both also discussed regional and international developments. The Tunisian ambassador presented the prince with a letter from the Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali with a message of cordial regards and an official invitation to visit Tunis.
The prince welcomed the invitation and said that he regarded Tunis as his second country and referred to the strong bilateral ties. The prince also referred to the friendship he has with the Tunisian president. The prince has met the Tunisian president on a number of occasions at the President’s Palace in Carthage. In 2003, the president bestowed on the prince Tunisia’s highest medal. Last year, the Tunisian ambassador awarded the prince with the “November 7” medal to commemorate the anniversary of the accession of the president, and a letter of thanks for Prince Alwaleed’s continuous support of the people of Tunis.
The Tunisian ambassador referred to the prince’s active role in contributing to the development of the Tunisian economy with his investments.
