Saudi Arabian Ambassador Condemns Israel

THE SAUDI Arabian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Mohammed Abul-Hamayel, has roundly condemned the persistent attacks on Palestinians by Israel, which he described as senseless.

Mr. Abul-Hamayel issued the condemnation at a ceremony to mark the 70th National Day of Saudi Arabia in Accra on Monday.

He said it is unfortunate that the world and the United Nationals continue to look on as Israelis kill innocent men, women and children, and shed Palestinian blood on the land of the prophet.

“The international community and international organisations are quite, completely silent and watching these senseless killings in Palestine”, Mr. Abul-Hamayel regretted.

He, however, called on the international community and the United Nations to immediately stop Israel from further subjecting the Palestinians to inhuman treatment and senseless killings.

On his country’s relationship with Ghana, the Ambassador said his country and Ghana, since early 1960s, have enjoyed fruitful and cordial relationships, adding that Saudi Arabia wants to use that avenue to strengthen its political, economic, cultural and social co-operations with Ghana.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is closely observing with keen interest the unfolding events in Ghana, and it is highly impressed by the achievements made so far within the political setting and the growing economic relations Ghana maintains with the rest of the world” the Ambassador noted.

On the foreign policy of his country, Mr. Abul-Hamayel said his country’s foreign policy is anchored in principles derived from the tenets of Islam which are constant strengthening of Arab and Muslim solidarity, serving Muslim world and safeguarding world peace and stability and not interfering in the internal affairs of other states.

“At present are the custodians of two holy mosques, King Fahd bin Abdulaziz and the crown Prince, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz who have committed themselves faithfully to their father’s policy of upholding the teachings of Islam, accelerating development, establishing closer ties with Arabs, Muslims and friendly nations and defending world peace”, he said.

On his part, Sheikh I.C. Quaye, regional minister for Greater Accra, who read a speech on behalf of the Minister for Private Sector Development said that relations between the two countries have been cordial and have been characterised by mutual respect and co-operation, adding that in more recent times, the relations have been strengthened by exchange of high-level visits including those of the Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, early this year, and his Royal Highness, Prince Turki bin Mohammed Saud Al-Kabeer in 1999.

Sheikh I.C. Quaye said the government is determined to strengthen Ghana’s economic base not only to consolidate the peace and stability being enjoyed by the country, but also to propel the country to a middle-income status.

“We believe that with the support of countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with whom we share common goals, we would achieve our dreams”, the minister said.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest oil producing country in the world with a population of about 12 million.