The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of India, H.E. Mr. Faisal Hassan Trad, accompanied by the Saudi Cultural Attaché in India Dr. Ibrahim Al-Batshan, and the Head of Citizens’ Welfare in the Embassy Mr. Mohd Sadi A Al-Ghamdi, met with the Saudi students in Bangalore city on Tuesday, 16^th February 2010.

          Addressing the students, the Ambassador first of all thanked them for attending this first meeting with him. Thereafter, he touched on some important recommendations for the students and urged them to observe Islamic ethics and manners so as to reflect the honourable image of the Kingdom. He also underlined the need to abide by the laws and regulations of the Republic of India.

          Ambassador Trad urged the students to keep in touch with the Embassy and the Office of the Cultural Attaché for assistance if they have any problems, and advised them to be alert and cautious while building relationship with strangers. He assured the students that the Embassy and the Office of the Cultural Attaché remain ready to make all possible efforts to help and assist them in accordance with the instructions of the Government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in this regard. The Ambassador also gave the students his personal e-mail ID urging them to keep in touch with him and asserting his readiness to receive and examine their requests and try to get them fulfilled as far as possible.

          Thereafter, the Cultural Attaché in India spoke to the gathering. He thanked His Excellency the Ambassador and the students for attending the meeting, and then opened the floor for discussions with the Ambassador inviting students to make interventions. Most of the interventions from the students centered on the following:

-          Discussion regarding TOEFL test being a condition for joining the deputation.

-          Universities recommended for study in India.

-          Means of interaction of the Cultural Attaché Office with the students.

-          Registration of all students with the Cultural Attaché Office and the Embassy.

-          Establishing an association of the students

Ambassador Trad promised the students that their requests and suggestions will be discussed with the Ministry of Higher Education and other concerned authorities in the Kingdom in order to fulfill their wishes and solve their problems.

     At the end of the meeting, Ambassador thanked the students for taking interest in attending the meeting and participating in the discussions by putting forward their observations and suggestions. Thereafter all those present proceeded for the lunch organized in honour of Ambassador Trad.