JEDDAH: Irish expatriates joined by Saudi and other guests participated in Ireland’s National Day celebration in Jeddah.

Irish Ambassador Tony Cotter who, along with and his wife Maria Cotter and Office Manager Rodaina Harb, welcomed the guests, said he considered an honor for him to represent the Irish government in the Kingdom.

“I am here in the Kingdom with my wife for the last 18 months and I must say that we are totally enjoying being in the Kingdom with the Saudi people. We always look forward to the opportunity to come to the great city of Jeddah, where we are given a warm and friendly welcome,” he said.

The envoy said he has fond memories of Jeddah and recalled his visit to the old city, in particular well-known architect Sami Angawi’s residence. Angawi has designed, built and refurbished his family residence into a magnificent treasure.

“Anybody who visits Jeddah should visit it,” he said. “This year, we are very glad to mark our National Day and the Easter Rising of 1916, a key event in the Irish freedom struggle,” the ambassador said. He added that there is a longstanding and very positive relationship between Ireland and the Kingdom. There are more than 3,000 Irish men and women are working and residing in the Kingdom.

Similarly, there are over 3,000 Saudi citizens living in Ireland, many of whom are studying at universities and institutes of technology. Trade between Ireland and the Kingdom has increased by 20 percent over the last two years. Last year’s trade was in excess of SR6 billion.

“We believe there is huge potential for our bilateral trade to grow further,” the envoy said, and thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for being very receptive and very efficient whenever the Irish Embassy called. “I also want to acknowledge the tremendous support we get from the Council of Saudi Chambers,” he said. He thanked Honorary Consul Mohammed A. Naghi, a very successful businessman from a very respected and honored family, for his generosity and consistent support to the Irish Embassy.