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SAUDI EMBASSY CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY |
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Written by Samira Ali Gutoc
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Wednesday, 25 June 2003 |
Muslim politicians and ambassadors from the diplomatic community graced the 73rd founding anniversary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, considered one of the most important Muslim countries to the Philippines.
The Saudi Charge D' Affaires welcomed the guests to the Dusit Nikko Hotel Grand ballroom at Makati City Tuesday night. Seen in the crowd were Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA) Executive Director Zamzamin Ampatuan, Mindanao State University regent Ansary Alonto, former SPDA administrator Bebot Mindalano, former Lanao del Sur governor Saidamen Pangarungan and Red Cross governor Diamond Pacasum-Pangarungan, Ambassador Alibasher Lucman, Aleem Elias Macarandas and other NGO leaders. YMP members Aldean Alonto, Sandra Isnaji and other professionals such as Jihad Al Akbar editor-in- chief Warina Jukuy of Sulu and Norma Laut of Department of Foreign Affairs were also present.
Since its oil boom in the 70s, Saudi Arabia has been the main beneficiary of Filipino overseas contract workers, now numbering more than 900,000, making the kingdom the host of the largest Filipino community in the Middle East.
Rumors have circulated that some local diplomats and presidential officials have ignored the event because of the "snubbing" by the Saudi authorities of the Philippine diplomatic contingent on a Saudi tour two weeks ago. The Philippine group on a supposed diplomatic visit had to return back to the Philippines unexpectedly.
Analysts also perceive that the Saudi-Philippine relation was further strained by the Philippines being one strong supporter of the US war against terrorism. Saudi Arabia is now being accused by the US of coddling terrorists, an allegation the kingdom, through its ambassador to the United States, has strongly denied.
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