The Saudi-French Business Council recently held a farewell
dinner for Bertrand Besancenot, the French ambassador to Saudi Arabia, to honor
him as his mission in the kingdom comes to a close.
The event took place at Al
Faisaliah Hotel.
Dr. Mohammed bin Laden, chairperson of the council, spoke at
the event; he praised Besancenot for nine years of service and contributions to
enhancing the French-Saudi relationship. Bin Laden noted that during Besancenot’s
tenure, the economic front between the two countries boomed. There was an
increase both in royal and presidential visit exchanges and economic and cultural
events.
The ambassador, for his part, thanked the council for the
tribute and the Saudi leadership for their cooperation throughout the past nine
years. He noted the hospitality of the Saudi people during his time roaming the
kingdom in its different regions. Besancenot also praised the officials he
worked with from the public and private sectors.
Bin Laden presented Besancenot with a symbolic gift at the
event, embodied in a verse from a Saudi poem, that reflects Saudi Arabia’s
heritage and culture.
