member delegation from Egypt, led by Parliament Speaker Dr. Saad El-Katatni and the head of the Shoura Council Ahmed Fahmy, included political leaders, prominent Muslim and Christian figures and even actors and sportsmen. They all enjoyed a dinner hosted by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister. Several Princes and other high-ranking Saudi officials were also in attendance. Dr. Sayed Al-Badawi, leader of Al-Wafd Party, appreciated the welcome the delegation received and said it reflected close relations between both countries despite the recent disturbances. “The protests in front of the Saudi Embassy and missions in Egypt do not represent the opinions of 85 million Egyptians. We Egyptians will never forget the day when during the war of October 1973, late King Faisal said ‘Oil is not more precious than the Egyptian blood'”. Similarly, Mustafa Bakri, member of parliament, said the visit reflects the fact that the Kingdom and Egypt have long-standing mutual interests. Dr. Essam Al-Aryan, member of parliament, reiterated the point made by Dr. Al Badawai: “most Egyptians were against the protests at the Saudi missions”. Sheikh Muhammad Hassan, the well-known Egyptian scholar, was with the delegation as well. He was especially heartened by Prince Saud Al-Faisal's speech. Meanwhile, Egyptian actor Mahmoud Abdul Aziz especially enjoyed Jareesh and Matazeez at the dinner. Osama Nugali, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained to the star of “Rafat Al-Hajan” the ingredients and how it was prepared. He ordered them. After tasting the food, he found it very delicious. “This is the first time I had this food and it's very delicious,” exclaimed the star. Ahmad Al-Qattan, Saudi Ambassador to Egypt, was walking around the tables welcoming the delegation members. Al-Qattan said that the decision of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to call him back to the Kingdom “was precautionary and sought to protect mutual relations.” Alanba Marcos, Shoubra El-Khaima Diocese, also accompanied the delegation on his first ever visit to the Kingdom. The representative for the Orthodox Church repeated the delegation's request that the Saudi ambassador must return to Egypt immediately — preferably with the delegation on the same airplane. __
