Saudi Arabia celebrates its 81st anniversary

Unlike common national anniversary celebrations, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulrahman Mohammed Amen Al-Khayyat did not deliver an official speech.  After welcoming guests with little boxes of dates — the kingdom’s signature fruit — the ambassador took the stage with noted guests, including Law and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar and former vice president Jusuf Kalla, cut a cake and then invited the guests to enjoy the various foods.

Other than Middle Eastern cuisine, the embassy also provided Chinese food. Al-Khayyat said he wanted to serve food not only from his country “but also other parts of the world”.

“We let you enjoy Middle Eastern, European and Asian foods,” he said. He said that in the future his country would improve its cooperation with Indonesia. “Our relationship is going great in many fields, including the economy and education,” he said. He also said that his country would continue promoting the peaceful face of Islam.

Ambassadors from neighboring countries and several prominent figures including Islamic scholar Quraish Shihab and politician Akbar Tanjung also attended the celebration. (lfr)