On September 16, 2024, H. E. Mr. Rami bin Saud Al-Otaibi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Bulgaria,

hosted a reception at his residence in Sofia on the occasion of the 94th Saudi National Day. The event gathered a distinguished assembly of guests, including Bulgarian officials, ambassadors, diplomats, members of parliament, business leaders, journalists, cultural figures, and friends of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's National Day, celebrated on September 23, marks the unification of Kingdom of Hejaz and Sultanate of Nejd in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who renamed the newly unified territories as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and became its first king. Since then, the day has been commemorated with grand ceremonies and celebrations. Currently, the country is ruled by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

In a short speech, H. E. Mr. Rami Al-Otaibi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the attendees and graciously addressed them with the following words:

Your Excellencies,

Esteemed Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Honored Guests,

Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you all.

I am delighted to be here with you on this joyous occasion as we come together in celebration.

On behalf of myself and my esteemed colleagues at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Bulgaria, I offer our heartfelt congratulations and warm wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the people of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of our nation’s ninety-fourth National Day.

I extend Saudi Arabia`s heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the people and government of the Republic of Bulgaria following the tragic loss of military pilots in the crash of a military transport plane at Graf Ignatievo Air Base.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to H. E. Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Bulgarian government led by H. E. Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, as well as to His Excellency Ivan Kondov, minister of Foreign Affairs and the Bulgarian people for their warm hospitality and the remarkable progress in Saudi-Bulgarian relations across all sectors. The steadfast support that our embassy receives is invaluable in fostering the bilateral ties.

On September 23 each year, we celebrate our National Day, marking the establishment of the Saudi Kingdom by its founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud. This day serves as a reminder for the people of the Kingdom to honor the rich history of dedication and sacrifice made by their ancestors.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emerged as a significant economic hub today, driven by attractive investment opportunities and a commitment to diversifying income sources. Moreover, our country has become a prominent tourist destination in the Middle East, renowned for its stunning coastal beaches along the Red Sea and its unique desert landscapes. The Kingdom boasts numerous entertainment cities, tourist centers, and historical monuments, all contributing to its appeal as a diverse and vibrant destination.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have been in Sofia for about two months, and I can confidently say that my family and I are having an exceptional experience in this beautiful city. I am committed to strengthening the relations between our two friendly countries, expanding them to new horizons, and building bridges of friendship between the Bulgarian and Saudi people. I also promise that during upcoming events, I will ensure that my speeches are presented in Bulgarian if possible.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you once again for your attendance and wish you an enjoyable rest of our event.

All the guests enjoyed warm hospitality in the residence's beautiful garden, savoring traditional Saudi cuisine, aromatic coffee, and exquisite desserts.

The evening was further enriched by captivating musical performances from the Saudi singer Najd, whose melodious voice was specially arranged for the occasion. The event left everyone with a sense of joy and created unforgettable memories.

The photos from the evening were graciously provided by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Bulgaria. Above: H. E. Mr. Rami bin Saud Al-Otaibi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Bulgaria