Remarks of the Hon. Dr. Alberto G. Romulo
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

On the Occasion of  the 76^th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

As read by Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Rafael E. Seguis

Hotel Philippine Plaza, Manila
20 September 2006

His Excellency Mohammed Ameen Wali, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;
Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps;
Colleagues in government;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen: 

On behalf of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and  the Filipino people, I extend my sincerest felicitations to The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of its National Day. 

More than a century ago the late King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud took the first steps towards unifying the Kingdom and completed its unification in 1932.    With the guidance and leadership of the Al-Saud ruling family of Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia now stands among the world’s nations as a remarkable example of growth and progress and the Saudi people are among the most prosperous in the world. 

Saudi Arabia occupies a place of prominence and plays a leadership role in the community of nations.  It continues to play a major role in international and regional peace and stability, especially in the Middle East peace process as well as the Arab and Muslim world.  

The Philippines attaches great importance to its relations with Saudi Arabia which has been an important partner in our quest for peace and development particularly in the southern Philippines. Saudi Arabia, in its capacity as member of the OIC Quadripartite Committee and now the Committee of the Eight, facilitated our peace agreement with the MNLF.  It continues to support socio-economic development in the southern Philippines.           

This year witnessed a major boost to Philippine – Saudi relations.  President Arroyo accepted the invitation of King Abdullah to visit the Kingdom.  The state visit was historic and successful, and this affirmed that relations between the two countries could thrive and flourish in the future and in many different fields.           

We take pride in the presence of over 1 million Filipinos working in the Kingdom.  They have made the Kingdom their second home, and they contribute greatly to the economic development of both the Kingdom and the Philippines.  We are even more proud that the Saudi people value their presence and contribution, which is a testament to the strength of our relationship. 

The Philippines is confident that our relations with the Kingdom will prosper and flourish in the years to come. 

Mabuhay!  END

/jay

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