Algerian Consul General Saleh Atteyah presents a memento to OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani as Director General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Makkah Region Ahmad Mohammad Tayeb looks on. — Saudi Gazette photo by Samar Yahya



Samar Yahya

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The African Group of Consuls General celebrated the 51st anniversary of Africa Day with gusto and fanfare at Hilton Hotel here on Sunday evening.



The Director General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah, Region, Ambassador Ahmad Mohammad Tayeb, and Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Iyad Ameen Madani, were among the distinguished guests present on the occasion.



This year the ceremony coincides with the 51st celebration of Organization of African Unity/African Union.



The ceremony began with playing of African Union and Saudi national anthems.



The Dean of the African Group of Consuls General, Algerian Consul General Saleh Atteyah, emphasizing the importance of the African Day said: “Our celebrations tonight occur in a special context which reflects the political momentum and the high symbolism of the anniversary of establishing the Organization of African Unity/African Union, which we as African people have celebrated during the whole year in order to renew our firm commitment for enhancing the high values of peace, justice and economic prosperity, as well as protecting them without forgetting that such values represent the main pillars of our continental organization.



In this regard, the proactive parties in the African Continent shall open a wide discussion as preparations for a draft resolution of “Africa in the Horizons of 2063”.



Welcoming the guests, OIC chief Madani said: “The new strategic vision which the African Union is going to enhance and develop in the long run is based on the values which are related to justice and fairness in terms of peace and security issues all over the African continent, enhancing rule of law and democracy, supporting human rights and recognizing the necessity of comprehensive development.



"The OIC actively supported the African quest for freedom and while the continent may have achieved complete political freedom, the Palestinian struggle has remained unresolved," Madani said.



Both the AU and the OIC have recognized the State of Palestine with Al-Quds as its capital.



"The two partners must continue to closely work together until the two states solution is achieved," he said.



After more than four decades of cooperation, OIC-Africa partnership has come a long way. With a common space and membership, in the spirit of south–south cooperation, it is time that our relations are transformed into a strategic partnership in order to accelerate the full attainment of the aspirations of our member states, he said.



Ambassador Tayeb praised the Afro-Saudi relations, mentioning the notable boosting and development of relations and its positive impact on the continent.