Saudi King Receives Red Crescent Award

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has received a humanitarian award, which I think is well deserved. I add my congratulations. King Abdullah's personal and state contributions to charity organizations and needy individuals are well known and appreciated.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=109576&d=4&m=5&y=2008

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RIYADH, 4 May 2008 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday received the Abubaker Siddique Medallion of the First Order from the Arab Organization for Red Crescent and Red Cross. The award was given in appreciation of the king's humanitarian endeavors.

King Abdullah gave thanks for the award and said, as a Muslim and a human being, he has been involved in humanitarian activities. He wished the organization and its officials every success in their efforts.

Abdullah Al-Hazza, secretary-general of the organization, presented the medal to King Abdullah during a reception at his palace in Riyadh. Prince Faisal ibn Abdullah, president of Saudi Red Crescent Society, and heads of the society in other Arab countries attended the ceremony.
Al-Hazza commended Saudi Arabia's humanitarian aid, which accounts for five percent of its gross domestic product. "This is the highest percentage at international level," he added. The Kingdom sends relief aid to countries across the world.