13 November 2013 – Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin H. Tago received on November 12 His Royal Highness Prince Abdulrahman bin Talal Al Saud who conveyed on behalf of his father His Royal Highness Talal bin Abdulaziz, President and founder of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), personal and official sympathies and condolences for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

“It is very touching to receive sympathies from Saudi friends and officials conveying condolences on the recent disaster that hit the Philippines.  Many officials have called me immediately after the disaster, and I continue to receive personal messages through phone messages, calls, and letters,” said Ambassador Tago.

During the meeting, the Prince handed over to Ambassador Tago a letter from Prince Talal Al-Saud conveying condolences to the President, the Vice President and the Filipino people, and also gave the cheque worth USD 100,000.00 representing AGFUND’s donation for the country’s humanitarian efforts in the typhoon-affected areas.   The cheque was made in the name of the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC Donated Funds).

“We truly appreciate HRH Prince Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud’s and AGFUND’s contribution to the humanitarian relief efforts.  The Filipino people, especially those in the affected areas, are sincerely grateful for this contribution,” said Ambassador Tago. END