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Prince Alwaleed Receives Former PM of Pakistan

HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company ( KHC ) received at his office in Riyadh, H.E. Shaukat Aziz Former Prime Minister of Pakistan. The meeting was attended by Mr. Shadi Sanbar, KHC 's CFO, Ms. Heba Fatani, Senior Executive Manager, Corporate Communications Department and Dr. Nahla Alanbar, Private Executive Assistant to HRH the chairman.

The meeting began as H.E. Shaukat Aziz thanked the Prince for giving him the opportunity to meet with him. During the meeting, the two discussed general issues related to their respective countries. The two also discussed a number of general local, regional issues and the global economic climate as well as philanthropic issues, in addition to HRH's investments.

In December 2010, Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation that is chaired by Prince Alwaleed inaugurated the Art Exhibition 'Perception' that was held in the Embassy of Pakistan, the event was under the patronage of Her Highness. The exhibition showcased the works of five Pakistani artists, the substantial amount of the proceeds will go towards helping the flood victims in Pakistan. Princess Ameerah showed her support to the artists and victims of the floods with an SR162,000. The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, local artists, prominent businessmen and members of the Pakistani expatriate community.

The ceremony began as HE Mr. Umar Khan Alisherzai, Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia welcomed Princess Ameerah to the art exhibition. The Ambassador extended his gratitude to Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation for its support on many occasions, and extended his special thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for the live televised campaign to help Pakistan's victims. He added that the people of Pakistan were grateful to Saudi Arabia and its people who have continuously extended their support in times of need.

Moreover, Princess Ameerah thanked the Ambassador and his spouse for their warm hospitality, and said that she appreciated the work of the five Pakistani artist displayed at the gallery. The Princess took a keen interest in the paintings which were a hallmark of Pakistani art and were displayed for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Princess Ameerah said that Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation had extended assistance to various humanitarian projects in Pakistan. She also said that she along with Prince Alwaleed had personally visited Pakistan to deliver the relief goods to the flood victims.

Prince Alwaleed and Princess Ameerah, visited Pakistan arriving at Multan International Airport with 10 tons of relief aid in August 2010, and toured the flood affected areas. Upon their arrival, the Prince and Princess Ameerah were met by Prime Minister Gilani and his spouse, and HE Abdulaziz Alghadir, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan who toured the devastated areas with the Prince.

The 10 ton relief aid that was transported on HRH's private plane consisted of 3,500 Malaria medicine, 20,000 Diarrhea medicine, 1,500 blankets and 1,000 sanitation kits, and the aid was handed to the concerned parties for distribution. Moreover, Helicopters were on standby to immediately transport Prince Alwaleed, Prime Minister Gilani and the accompanying delegation to get an aerial view of the destruction caused by the flood in the southern Punjab and Sindh. HRH and the Prime Minister toured the affected areas and visited the relief camps to witness at first hand the devastation.

Also in 2010, Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation made an immediate SR10 million donation for the flood victims of Pakistan that has affected 20 million people and left over 1600 homeless. The donation was announced live during the televised campaign to help Pakistan's victims that was initiated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. The announcement was made by Dr. Sheikh Ali Al Nashwan.

Furthermore, Prince Alwaleed had received the Pakistani Ambassador prior to HRH's visit to Pakistan. The Ambassador thanked HRH for the opportunity to meet and the Prince's SR 10 million donation for the flood victims of Pakistan. Moreover, the Ambassador described the suffering of those who were affected by the floods, the high death toll and vital need for aid to reach the victims. In response, the Prince expressed his condolences to the people and government of Pakistan and handed two letters to the Ambassador addressed to HE President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan and HE Yousaf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan. Furthermore, HRH expressed his readiness to extend further assistance to Pakistan in any way he can and when needed.

Prince Alwaleed had contributed to a number of humanitarian causes in Pakistan. In 2005, HRH visited Pakistan on two occasions, the first was in March and the second visit later that year was to witness at first hand the earthquake hit areas of Pakistan. During his trip HRH was met by Mr. Shaukat Aziz former Pakistani PM and the two toured the devastated sites. His visit followed the announcement of a SR20 million donation to the earthquake victims. The two-fold donation comprised of tents, blankets, medicine and cash. The medical supplies were valued at SR5 million. HRH donated ten thousand tents valued at SR6 million and 30,000 blankets valued at SR3 million. The cash amounted to SR6 million. In addition to that donation, HRH also gave a donation to finance the construction of 20 schools in the affected areas during his visit.

During the trip to Pakistan in 2006, HRH was bestowed the Hilal-i-Pakistan honorary medal by the former President Musharraf during an official ceremony for conferment held at the President's residence (Aiwan-e-Sadr) in Islamabad.

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© Press Release 2012