Roberta Fedele Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The 50th Anniversary of Algerian Independence (1962) and the 58th Anniversary of the Algerian Revolution (1954) that freed the country from French colonialism was celebrated at the Jeddah Hilton. This national holiday, also known as Revolution Day, represents an important moment in the history of a country that had to fight an eight-year long decolonization war (1954-1962) to gain its independence from France, which had colonized Algeria since 1830. The conflict was also characterized by a civil war between Algerian loyalists and Muslim revolutionaries of the National Liberation Front (FLN), which contributed to shaking the foundations and causing the collapse of the French occupation. On the occasion of this important national recurrence, Consul General of Algeria Salah Attia decided to start his welcoming speech commemorating Algeria's martyrs and expressing his gratitude to all Arab, Muslim and non-Muslim countries that supported the Algerian revolution. Special thanks went to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He added: “We are particularly pleased to celebrate this noble anniversary in a country that was among the first supporters of the revolution started by 1.5 million Algerian martyrs. “During these years, Crown Prince Salman, Deputy Minister and Minister of Defense, was the president of the Algerian Revolution Supporting Fund contributing to establish deep bonds of friendship and solidarity between our two peoples.” Attia also used the occasion to highlight his country's development achievements, political diversity, restored leading role in foreign politics and flourishing relations with Saudi Arabia. “A comprehensive development plan was launched by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to ensure national security and stability and eliminate foreign debts. “In line with this plan a total amount of $180 billion was deposited in the State Reserve Fund. “Algeria was thus able to give a loan of $5 billion to the International Monetary Fund this October and $286 billion to finance development projects between 2010 and 2014. “Besides, we believe that the country's progress in achieving political diversity, freedom of thought, women empowerment and political decentralization will help strengthen the path of democracy.” Attia stressed Algeria's increasing political role within the African and Arab arena by restoring its position within the Non-Aligned Movement and its support for all efforts for the political and economic development of northwest Africa. Attia concluded his speech by focusing on the prospering relations between Algeria and the Kingdom and the mutual understanding and appreciation characterizing these countries' respective leaders. “In 2011, Saudi investments in the Algerian pharmacological, chemical, mineral, cement and paper fields reached the amount of SR3 billion, equal to $856 million. “Economic relations witnessed a clear improvement since the establishment in January 2003 of a Saudi-Algerian business council that is going to meet for the fifth time in Algeria in December. “Thanks to this and other initiatives, we are looking forward to further enhance bilateral relations and meet our people's expectations.”
