JEDDAH, 27 May 2006 — African consuls general have urged Saudi businessmen to explore investment opportunities in their resource-rich continent.
“The African continent is rich in natural and human resources, and we invite potential Saudi investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in various countries,” Tekleab Kebede, consul general of Ethiopia and dean of African Consuls General, said on Thursday night.
African consuls general and expatriates from countries including South Africa, Senegal, Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria and Burkina Faso, aside from Ethiopia, were among the participants at the 43rd anniversary celebration of Africa Day at the Jeddah InterContinental.
“May 25 is a special day in Africa — its African liberation day, Africa’s Independence Day,” Kebede said in his welcome remarks.
“Under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan, I’ve full confidence that the Kingdom’s relations with Africa will continue to be strengthened and the flow of visitors from the Saudi business community will increase to explore and tap the great opportunities available in the continent,” Kebede said.
“The commemoration of Africa Day here puts great emphasis on developing the relationship between the peoples and governments of Africa and the Kingdom,” Kebede said.
“As Africa is rich in natural and human resources, the prevailing opportunities of investment, trade and tourism in the continent are immense.”
In order to promote integration and development in the continent, Africa Day this year is celebrated under the theme “Working together for integration and development.”
Africa Day commemorates the establishment in 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which was succeeded four years ago by the Africa Union (AU).
Consuls General from African countries and local officials cut a cake to mark the event. A cultural program comprising items from various African countries was among the highlights of the day.
