JEDDAH — The city will host the first International Cultural Festival, designed to build global friendship and cultural harmony between all nationalities. This was announced Monday night at the annual Ramadan ceremony held at the premises of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). The ceremony was attended by JCCI officials, consuls general and commercial attaches of several countries and top businessmen. Sheikh Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the JCCI, welcomed members of the diplomatic corps and consuls and assured them that the JCCI aims to strengthen bonds of friendship between Saudi businessmen and all representatives of foreign countries and confirmed the spirit of tolerance and respect by the Saudi government in its relations with various countries around the world. “The government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah will always carry the message of friendship and peace to the world and is keen to strengthen and develop relations with all countries,” Sheikh Kamel said. Ambassador Mohammad Ahmad Tayeb, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah, said that Jeddah hosts around 65 consulate generals, 30 offices representing various countries and seven regional and international organizations. “This proves how important the city of Jeddah is,” he added. He praised the role of the JCCI in cooperating with the branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah in promoting economic cooperation between the Kingdom and friendly countries. The Dean of honorary consuls and honorary consul of Canada Mohamed Mahmoud Attar praised both the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah for their efforts to bridge and strengthen communications between the diplomatic corps and Saudi society. South African Consul General Ebrahim Edries said the cultural festival was a great idea. “It will facilitate cultural exchange and strengthen interaction among Saudis and expatriates. South Africa will be delighted to showcase its culture to the people of Jeddah,” he said.
