RIYADH: Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji was among those attending a special event to commemorate Africa Day.
The party took place at the Palace of Culture in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter on Monday, reported Saudi Press Agency.
El-Khereiji was welcomed by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Diaa Al-Din Bamakhrama, ambassador of Djibouti, and Iyad Tijani, head of the African Group and ambassador of Cameroon.
As well as emphasizing the Kingdom’s deep-rooted political and diplomatic relations with African countries and organizations, he highlighted its commitment to developing cooperation and partnerships with African countries in trade and integration, as well as enhancing consultation, coordination and mutual support in international organizations on issues of common interest.
Africa Day, which is celebrated annually on May 25, acknowledges the continent’s role in the fight against colonialism and the progress it has made, as well as reflecting the challenges it faces in a global environment.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is: “Educate an Africa fit for the 21st century: Building a resilient education system for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa.”
By focusing on education and training, the African countries are highlighting the central and essential role of education in the development process, especially on a continent where young people make up the majority of the population.
As part of the work, the countries expressed hope that the Kingdom, which already grants scholarships to African students, would also facilitate their access to technical and scientific institutions.
As for the festive side of the event, the celebration in Riyadh includes cultural and culinary activities at Grassy Park in the Diplomatic Quarter on May 30-31. African countries will showcase their cultures through performances by dance groups, culinary arts and exhibitions of artefacts, from 6 p.m. to midnight.
Bamakhrama said: “The year 2024 is dedicated to education in Africa and represents a unique opportunity for African countries to proceed achieving the goals of the spectrum once again of education, development and skills, from early childhood to higher education.”
Highlighting the importance of historic ties between the continent and the Kingdom, he added that leaders praised the dialogue that took place at the first Saudi-African Summit in Riyadh last year.
“It is important to recall that this summit has opened new and broad horizons between the Kingdom and the African countries with the aim of strengthening cooperation, improving strategic partnership and enhancing historical ties.”
Tidjani said: “I wish to encourage the Saudi business community and the Gulf-based MNCs to establish strong partnerships and networks with their African counterparts to take advantage of the business-friendly potentials of the continent.”
He praised staff from the African embassies for their support, and thanked the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the reception and hosting the cultural and food exhibition.