PH Ambassador Participates in Washing of Kaaba

The Philippine Embassy's Chargé d’Affaires to Riyadh Rommel Romato (center) with (L-R) Algeria’s Ambassador Mohamed Ali Boughazi, Malaysia’s CDA Mohd Shuhada Othman, Indonesia’s Ambassador Abdul Aziz Ahmad and Brunei’s Ambassador Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Yusoff bin Haji Awang Ismail. (Riyadh PE photo)

RIYADH 07 August 2023 — The Philippine Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires to Riyadh Rommel Romato was invited by the Government of Saudi Arabia to participate in the annual washing of Islam’s holiest shrine, the Kaaba, in Makkah, on 02 August 2023.

The ceremonial cleaning of the Kaaba was led by Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz of Makkah on behalf of King Salman, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The event dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad, who would conduct the washing of the Kaaba from the inside using specially prepared holy water (Zamzam) mixed with rose water, and selected perfumes.

CDA Romato joined Saudi princes, government officials, and ambassadors of Muslim countries in the religious and state ceremony.

“It is a great privilege to enter and participate in the cleaning of the Holy Kaaba as a diplomat representing the Philippines,” said CDA Romato. “This is a recognition of the Philippines’ Muslim community and the excellent relations between the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Muslim world.” END

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