I am truly delighted that Painting & Patronage have chosen Portugal to jointly host with Saudi Arabia its latest cultural and educational exchange initiative.

For a number of years I have grown to appreciate Portugal ‘s magical landscape and its legendary beauty which Sintra so readily typifies. I am therefore pleased that on the occasion of my Official Visit to Portugal that an opportunity has been found to exhibit my own art works at the historic National Palace of Sintra during which the first artist exchange programme will be formally launched between our two countries.

I am pleased also that following the Sintra exhibition that a showcase of Portuguese art will be exhibited in Riyadh during 2006.  This will undoubtedly offer the Saudi Arabian people an excellent opportunity from which to appreciate the rich heritage of Portugal and to encourage greater bilateral co-operation across all fields between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Portuguese Republic.

I am deeply honoured that His Excellency Dr Jorge Sampaio, President of the Portuguese Republic, has granted his high patronage over the initiative and has agreed to formally inaugurate the exhibition.

Painting and Patronage of the arts has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember and so the opportunity to encourage artistic ties and to further a deeper appreciation of each others distinct cultures, traditions and heritage is very much welcome.

Over the past 30 years as Governor of the Asir province in Saudi Arabia , I have grown to appreciate this landscape well and I hope that my paintings will encourage other artists, amateur and professional, from across Portugal to come to Asir to paint and experience the wealth of its own natural beauty.

I would also like to pay tribute to Anthony Bailey, Chairman of Painting & Patronage, and long time resident of Sintra, for his energy and encouragement in ensuring that the third Painting & Patronage came to Portugal and passed off so well.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks for the support I have received from HE Prof Dr Diogo Freitas do Amaral, Portuguese Minister of State and of Foreign Affairs, HE Isabel Pires de Lima, Portuguese Minister of Culture, HRH The Duke of Bragança, HE Dr Mohammed Al-Rashid, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Lisbon, HE Dr Henrique Borges, Ambassador of Portugal in Riyadh, Dr Joao Belo Rodeia, President of Instituto Portugues do Patrimonio Arquitectonico (IPPAR), the Mayor and Muncipality of Sintra and all members of the exhibition’s Honorary Committee.

In addition, I would like to record my appreciation to all the sponsors of the initiative as well as Eligo International, the King Faisal Foundation and Unlimited Events for their efforts in ensuring that the exhibition offers the Portuguese public a welcomed and visionary insight into the Asir province which I call home.

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