Saudi Arabia gives Philippines dates as ‘message of love’ between countries

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday turned over 25 tons of dates to the Philippine government to honor the relationship between the two countries. 

Saudi Arabia Charge d’Affaires a.i. Abdullah Saad Alshahri said the dates were delivered by  the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief). 

“Sharing is caring and we are here to share some of the special products of Saudi Arabia, the dates. This occasion reflects the [relationship between Saudi Arabia and] the Philippines,” said Alshahri. 

“The Saudi dates, it’s very important and one of the special food products in Saudi Arabia. But we are here not to sell it, but to present it as a gift. That I would say a message of love between two countries,” the official also said. 

The dates—a customary gift from Saudi Arabia to countries including the Philippines—were received by National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim. 

Further, Alshahri noted that KSrelief has committed over 16 projects in the Philippines covering the health, food, and agriculture sectors. 

“King Salman has committed for now more than 16 projects in the Philippines - health sector, and food security, and agriculture security,” he said. 

“They have committed more than 3,000 projects around the world. There are 105 countries who benefit from these projects and the Philippines is one of them.” 

Among the Saudi Arabian  government’s assistance through the humanitarian organization was the operation of Filipino conjoined twins Ayeesha and Akhizah Yusoph. 

“They have done two surgeries, the third one is coming soon,” said Alshahri. — BM, GMA Integrated News