Samar Yahya

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Aki Abe, the wife of Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, toured Alfaisalya Women’s Welfare Society and Sleysla Handicrafts Center in Jeddah on Wednesday morning. Both welfare projects aim to enhance the economic status of limited income families.



The tour began with the screening of documentary film about Al-Faisalya and Sleysla Center presented by Fawziah Al-Tasan, Al-Faisalya’s manager.



Abe then received a tour of workshops in Sleysla Center and saw a number Saudi girls working on different handicrafts projects where she expressed her admiration for the products and craftsmanship. The wife of the Japanese Consul General in Jeddah Mariko Yoshida accompanied Abe on the trip.



“I appreciate the work done in Alfaisalya Society especially since it reflects Saudi traditions and heritage and at the same time plays a role in the development of Saudi society. I know that there are challenges but the role of Alfaisalya Society is very important,” said Abe.  



Sleysla Center, one of Alfaisalya’s welfare projects, was chosen for this visit as it is known for its unique, quality heritage products that are both contemporary and reflective of Saudi culture and heritage.



Princess Naifa Bint Saud, president of public relations at the center, told Saudi Gazette Abe’s visit was the first visit by a Japanese official to the center. She went on to praise Japan’s rich heritage and hinted at cooperation between the two countries in the field.



At the end of the tour, Abe was presented a memorial gift and took a group photo with Alfaisalya team.