Saudi Arabia engages globally to address critical geopolitical challenges

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The Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commemorated its 95th National Day Anniversary on Wednesday. In Uganda, the day was celebrated at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. The Government of Uganda was represented by Dr Mohammed Ahmed Kisule, President’s Advisor for Middle East Affairs. Below is the speech of the Saudi Arabia ambassador to Uganda, Mohammad Bin Khalil Faloudah.

Your Excellency Dr Mohammed Ahmed Kisule, (President’s Advisor for Middle East Affairs) Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps Our Distinguished Guests.

It is with great pleasure that we extend a warm welcome and express our gratitude for your presence as we commemorate our 95th National Day. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia observes National Day annually on September 23, commemorating the unification of the nation under a single banner.

This occasion signifies the culmination of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud’s endeavours to unify the disparate territories and establish a modern state grounded in core principles and values.

National Day has evolved into a symbol of unity, stability, and progress, representing a day of profound loyalty to our homeland and pride in its rich heritage and significant accomplishments.

Furthermore, it serves as an official national event that reflects the kingdom’s prominent regional and international standing since its inception.

A century ago, the Arabian Peninsula was confronted with significant political, social, and economic challenges. Historians describe a period of widespread political instability and fragmentation, characterised by numerous warring emirates and tribal factions, leading to disintegration and insecurity.

The lack of unified governance resulted in prevalent tribal disputes and localised conflicts. This situation persisted until King Abdulaziz Al Saud initiated the unification project, culminating in the recapture of Riyadh on January 15, 1902.

This pivotal event marked a significant shift in regional history, as the founding king embarked on a sustained effort, spanning over three decades, to unify the majority of the Arabian Peninsula under a single entity, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was formally established on September 23, 1932.

Subsequently, the kingdom, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been actively engaged in a comprehensive modernisation programme, strategically managing resources to foster sustainable development and enhance the welfare of its citizens and residents.

In commemoration of the 95th National Day, observed under the theme Our Pride is in Our Nature, we acknowledge the enduring impact of Saudi Arabian values and principles on our nation’s progress.

A core tenet of these principles is the promotion of global peace. The kingdom has actively engaged in international efforts to address critical geopolitical challenges.

Notably, Saudi Arabia has taken proactive steps to mediate the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, exemplified by the hosting of national security advisers in Riyadh in August 2023, and a subsequent meeting in March 2025 aimed at facilitating dialogue between the US and Russia.

Moreover, in partnership with the Republic of France and Saudi Arabia, the two-state solution initiative was spearheaded, recognised as a promising avenue for regional peace and security.

This initiative achieved a notable milestone with the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the “New York Declaration” this month, which received 142 votes in support of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

This outcome reinforces the fundamental right to a Palestinian state as a critical component for enduring peace, highlighting the imperative for its practical implementation. Under the auspices of the kingdom’s open foreign policy, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Uganda has continued to flourish in recent years, founded upon principles of friendship and mutual collaboration.

The year 2025 saw a strengthening of these bilateral ties, marked by a rise in trade and a greater number of collaborative endeavours across various sectors.

In January 2025, the groundwork was established for the construction and equipping of the Heart Hospital in Kampala, with the goal of bolstering the Ugandan healthcare system and expanding its capacity to provide local treatment for heart patients, thus reducing the need for them to seek medical care overseas. Also, in January 2025, direct flights were initiated between Riyadh and Entebbe to facilitate communication and trade.

Furthermore, in the realms of culture and education, the kingdom, through its scholarship programme, has offered opportunities for numerous Ugandan students to pursue their studies at Saudi universities.

The kingdom also extends its support to educational initiatives within Uganda, with Saudi organisations contributing to the construction of schools, educational facilities, and vocational training institutes.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our distinguished guests for honouring us with their presence on this special occasion.

I extend my sincere thanks to His Excellency the President’s Adviser and to Their Excellencies the Ambassadors for their presence and kind words.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to my colleagues at the Embassy, whose contributions were pivotal to the success of this event.

Thank you