Press Release

Date of Release: February 04, 2010

President Karzai Awarded with King Abdul Aziz Medal of Excellence

Arg, Kabul –King Abduallh Bin Abdul Aziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques awarded President Hamid Karzai with King Abdulaziz Medal, the highest and most prestigious medal in Saudi Arabia.

President Karzai was received Wednesday evening on arrival at Riyadh Airport personally by King Abdullah.

The President later held a meeting with the King in Janadriyah after Umrah Haj performance in Mecca and prayers at the Prophet Mohammad’s Mosque in Madina.

The President then took part at a reception organized in his honor and hosted by King Abdullah. Many officials and Princes had participated in the reception.

Following the reception, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques awarded President Karzai during a formal ceremony the King Abdul Aziz Medal of Excellence, which is the most prestigious medal in Saudi Arabia.

President Karzai thanked King Abdullah for the Medal, and termed it a “great pride to himself and the people of Afghanistan.”

The President also expressed gratitude for all the arrangements made for him and his visiting delegation during the Umrah Haj Performance and rituals.

In the meeting, President Karzai briefed King Abdullah on Afghanistan’s plan for Peace, Reconciliation and Reintegration efforts, for which he requested Saudi’s help and King Abdullah’s personal guidance.

In turn, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz commending President Karzai’s endeavors for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region, assured the President of his support for the peace process in Afghanistan.

The President once again thanked Saudi Arabia for all the efforts and assistance it is making for Afghanistan and especially its latest pledge of $ 150 million made during the London Conference.