The future of the information sector in the Kingdom is proceeding along the right track, Dr. Abdul Aziz Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information, has said. In a statement following his selection as “Personality of the Year 2009” at a ceremony held by the World Association of Graduates of American University in Beirut on Friday, Dr. Khoja said that there are many information projects and positive developments to be witnessed by information sectors in the Kingdom including the Saudi Press Agency. For his part, Salim Wardah, Lebanese Minister of Culture, said Dr. Khoja has been a brother and a friend of Lebanon and he deserved this honor for his efforts in Lebanon when he was the Kingdom's ambassador to the country. Ghazi Al-Aridhi, Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport, noted that Dr. Khoja deserved this honor as he was the best representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Lebanon according to the directives of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Bahia Al-Hariri, member of Lebanon's House of Representatives, said the selection of Dr. Khoja as Personality of the Year 2009 was the right choice as he exerted all efforts for better Saudi-Lebanese ties during his tenure as ambassador to the country. Dr. Khoja thanked the University and the Association of Graduates of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture for honoring him. He noted the deep-rooted relations between the two countries. “My stay here as ambassador offered me a good opportunity to know the amount of love in the heart of King Abdullah toward this dear country and his keenness for the security and stability of Lebanon.” He recalled the King's remarks wherein he said, “Lebanon always remains in our hearts.” Tareq Mitri, Lebanese Information Minister, spoke of his appreciation for the role Dr. Khoja has played in enhancing Saudi-Lebanese bilateral relations. The ceremony was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Bin Saeed Bin Awadh Asiri, a number of Lebanese officials and ambassadors of Arab countries.
