The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Mohammad Habib Tijani (MP) on Wednesday July 4, 2018, received a donation of two thousand five hundred (2,500) cartons of date fruits on behalf of the Government and People of Ghana from the Government and People of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Hon. Tijani observed that the donation was but one manifestation of the friendship between Ghana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of Ghana in the areas of health, energy, road construction and the provision of portable water in Islamic communities and others.
He indicated that the donation of date fruits is an annual activity on the calendar of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that, the gesture of love and friendship from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the symbolism it embodies in deepening the relations between the two countries’ should not be lost.
He noted that the relations between Ghana and Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in history. “The relations is reinforced by contemporary significance as our two countries strive to make appropriate contributions to global peace and security in our respective regions and on the world stage”, he added.
The Deputy Minister stated that Ghana appreciates the annual donation of date fruits. He observed that the fruit which is noted to be the most important fruit in Saudi Arabian culture, has deep historical and religious significance, a natural energy booster, contains vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and is rich in taste, will not only help Muslims replenish their lost energies after the recent fasting, but also benefit all Ghanaians across the religious divide.
Hon. Tijani observed with admiration the arrangements that are put in place by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to receive millions of pilgrims from around the world during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. He indicated that a high-level government delegation and an estimated five thousand six hundred (5,600) Ghanaians are expected to participate in this year’s Hajj.
On his part, the Charge’ d’ Affaires of the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mr. Abdulkarim Mohammed Alluhidan, said the presentation of the date fruits to Ghana under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abduk Aziz Al Saud was in line with his country’s values.
He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Ghana for receiving him and his delegation and also asked for prosperity, progress, and good relations for both countries.