A SERIES of functions in Jeddah marked the 46th anniversary of Africa Day on May 25. The Consulates of various African countries in Jeddah organized one such function at the Le-Meridian hotel that was attended by Ambassador Mohammad Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Makkah Region, and Consuls General and Consuls of various countries among other guests. Salah Attia, Algerian Consul General and the Dean of the Africa Group of Consuls General, in his inaugural speech, expressed his appreciation for the “services provided by Saudi authorities to the African countries' Consulates in the Kingdom”. He also referred to the “bilateral relationships between Saudi Arabia and African nations through the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and International Islamic Department”. “Celebrating Africa Day is an opportunity to be reminded of the historical ties – cultural, economic, political and human – between nations of the African continent and the Kingdom, which have been enhanced due to mutual expectations,” Attia said. He spoke of the creation of the Organization of the African Unity in 1963, which he said was the result of the long struggle for the independence of the African continent. Attia said that Africa, through its joint organs, is contributing efficiently in its international effort in settling internal conflicts and in fighting terrorism. He appealed to Saudi businessmen to invest in Africa as the continent “offers lucrative investment opportunities”. May 25 is a historic day for Africa as it was on this day that sacrifices made to liberate the African continent from colonization bore fruit. The foundation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963 was a turning point in enhancing the development and cooperation of the newly independent African countries. __
