JEDDAH: Expatriates from various African countries celebrated the 46th anniversary of Africa Day at a function marked by cultural programs here on Monday night. Ambassador Mohammed Ahmed Al-Tayeb, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Region, was the chief guest. Consuls general and honorary consuls of various countries as well as local officials and businessmen were among those present.
Al-Tayeb said Saudi Arabia and African countries had been enjoying close cooperation and hoped that such interactions would further strengthen the bonds.
Salah Attia, consul general of Algeria and dean of the African Group of Consuls General, in his address expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the services provided by the Saudi authorities to the consulates general. “The Kingdom’s Haj and Umrah facilities for hundreds and thousands of our pilgrims have been exemplary,” he added and referred to the consolidation of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and African countries.
May 25 is a historical day, which symbolizes the sacrifices made by the people to liberate the African continent from the colonial powers. The foundation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963 was a turning point in enhancing development and cooperation of young African countries.
Attia recalled that the formation of the joint African working group in 2002 resulted in initiating the African Union, which emerged from the Organization of African Unity. “This came as a result of international trends of globalization and regional consolidation. Such an initiative enabled the African Union to face various challenges and tackle issues related to immigration, poverty, illiteracy and epidemics,” he said.
There is no doubt that the African Union has accounted for many achievements through a strong political leadership, as well as cooperation in political and security aspects. The African Union has revived the economies of member countries through the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), program, which will help contain poverty and diseases, and enable the setting of the future goals for economic development.
