Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Egyptian Consulate General hosted the 65th Egyptian anniversary of 1952 revolution at the InterContinental Hotel here, on Sunday.

Consul General Dr. Hazem Ramadan and his wife received Jamal Balkhyor, director general of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah branch, consul generals and ambassadors of Arab, Islamic and foreign countries, many prominent Saudi figures, Egyptian community members and media representatives.

In his speech Ramadan said, “We are here today celebrating the 65th anniversary of the glorious 23rd of July 1952 Revolution. A revolution that established respect for the will of the people and built a society based on our history and human heritage and the rejection of injustice, corruption and despotism. These principles lived on to be reflected in the revolutions of Jan. 25th, 2011 and the June 30th, 2013, which gave new emphasis on how to abide by the will of the Egyptian people.

“I and my family have arrived in Jeddah less than a year ago. We never felt away from home. I left friends behind to find a large family of beloved ones who received us with the best of welcome. This is only a heartfelt trial to describe the bonds, which cannot be measured or quantified, between Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on all fronts; be it personal, social or official. These bonds are also very present at the highest level of the leaderships of both countries, as evidenced by the two last visits of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to Saudi Arabia.

“The Middle East region is currently facing numerous changes and challenges. The countries of the region are confronting an unprecedented onslaught by the forces of evil and terrorism. Egypt has raised the alarm about these threats since last century, and is still warning about it in all regional and international fora. President Sisi has always emphasized the need for cooperation and joint actions to eradicate the sources of terrorism and to expose and stop all countries condoning and financing terrorism. This has been reflected in the Egyptian participation, side by side with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain in a joint action to that effect lately.

“I seize the opportunity to reiterate the unwavering support of the people and government of Egypt to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and the Saudi people against all those who may dare act against the security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or against the security and stability of the brotherly Arab Gulf countries.”

Saudi investments amounting to $6.1 billion forming 11% of total foreign investments and 27% of total Arab investments and Egyptian investments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amounted to $1.1 billion.

The Egyptian community in Saudi Arabia adds up to 2.3 million. The Consulate General in Jeddah provides service to the 1.5 million Egyptians living in the 7 western and southern provinces within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General, in addition to the annual pilgrimage, the Haj, and Umrah pilgrims, who amount to a million every year.

Following his speech, Ramadan and consul generals of other nations cut the celebration cake. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy Nouba folk songs presented by a Noubi band. The 23rd July revolution marks the beginning of republic in 1952.