Samar Yahya
JEDDAH — Members of the Tunisian community in the Kingdom celebrated their country's 60th Independence Day at Crown Plaza Hotel here on Sunday.
Consul General Fathi Neffati and other staff of the consulate received Ambassador Mohammad Ahmad Tayeb, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah region, permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other guests including senior officials, consuls general and ambassadors of several Arab and non-Arab countries as well as many Saudi businessmen.
The celebration began with the playing of Tunisian and Saudi national anthems.
In his speech, Neffati lauded the efforts of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif and Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for their efforts in further unifying world Muslims.
Neffati said Saudi Arabia and Tunisia enjoy long-lasting relations and have been engaged in bilateral cooperation in all fields.
Neffati recalled the revolution against colonization and praised the sacrifices made by Tunisians for the dignity, glory and freedom of their country. He also condemned last week's attack on Tunisia-Libya border.
Tayeb also remembered all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their country and said the celebration truly marks the dignity of Tunisian people. He stressed that with support from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, Tunisia has proved that it was strong and could face several challenges.
Neffati, Ambassador Tayeb and consuls general from several Arab and Gulf countries cut the ceremonial cake on the occasion.
March 20, 1956, marks the end of the French colonial period, and the beginning of an era where Tunisia was recognized as a modern state.
