Amza takes over diplomatic mission in Riyadh after rejection of previous appointee

The Ambassador designate of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia P.M. Amza recently presented credentials to the Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Khalid bin Faisal Al Sihly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of KSA.

The appointment was after Saudi Arabia declined to accept Ahmed Jawad, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador there at the time of the execution of Rizana Nafeek in January 2013 convicted of killing a baby in her care in 2005 when she was 17. Saudi Arabia recalled its top envoy after the then Sri Lankan government recalled the Ambassador in protest against the execution.

Deputy Minister Khalid bin Faisal Al Sihly while warmly welcoming and congratulating the Ambassador designate on his new appointment stated that Saudi Arabia hopes the relations between the two countries will prosper further during the tenure of Ambassador Amza.

In his response, Ambassador Amza expressed his gratitude to the Government of KSA for arrangements made to receive him and make him functional. He further stated that he would work towards enhancing the cooperation between the two countries in political and economic spheres. He also mentioned that his priority also would be for the welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers living in the Kingdom.

The discussion with the Deputy Minister during the handing over the open copy of the credential papers was cordial. The Ambassador was accompanied by Head of Chancery Dulmith Waruna.