King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, received Tuesday at Al-Yamamah Palace the credentials of a number of newly-accredited ambassadors from Arab, Islamic and friendly countries. The ambassadors are from Gambia, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Ethiopia, Jordan, Maldives, Kenya, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Afghanistan, Equatorial Guinea, Belarus, Pakistan, Australia, Chile, Nepal, Federal Republic of Germany, Philippines, Sweden, Hungary, India and the Ivory Coast. The ambassadors delivered greetings from their countries' leaders. The King also sent his warm regards to their respective countries. On behalf of the ambassadors, Omar Gebrail of Gambia read out a speech in which he highlighted the various development plans in the Kingdom, in particular in education. He also touched on the peace and stability in the Kingdom and the historic decision to allow Saudi women to stand as candidates in the next municipal council elections and participate in the Shoura Council. He also praised the King's interfaith dialogue, which he said has received acclaim across the world. In an impromptu speech, King Abdullah welcomed the ambassadors to their “second home” and wished them all the best. He said that the Kingdom respects all their countries. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister, princes and senior officials attended the ceremony.
