“As a diplomat, I have traveled to many countries. But only on occasions have I met leaders whose significant contribution has made them symbols of their countries, and has won them the love and admiration of their people,” said Sir Tom in a statement put out by the embassy on Wednesday.
“Having arrived in Saudi Arabia and met the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, it is clear to me that His Majesty is such a man, as the architect of domestic reform, a proponent of education and the author of a major overseas scholarships program, the driving force between many diplomatic initiatives designed to promote peace and stability in the region, and as a man who generates a culture of tolerance and understanding between the world’s faith communities.”
Noting that Saudi Arabia was the UK’s prime partner in the region and that the two kingdoms shared many interests and were major trading partners, the ambassador also said that there were thousands of Saudi students in British schools and universities and that the UK was the top tourist destination in Europe for Saudis.
“It is a privilege and an honor to welcome the return of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Saudi Arabia and to share the joy of the occasion with millions of Saudis,” Sir Tom concluded.
