Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Ireland delivers the Nations’ Cup award

In the presence of the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Ireland, Abdulaziz bin Abdulaziz Aldriss recently handed over the FEI Nations’ Cup of the International Union to winning team from the USA.

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                        Ambassador Abdulaziz Aldriss presents the Shield

The American show jumping team emerged victorious, having seen off strong competition from Ireland, Britain, Germany, France, Sweden, the Netherlands and the Ukraine, and recording just four faults over both rounds.

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His Excellency, President Michael D Higgins expressed thanks and appreciation of his country to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for supporting this popular sport.

President O’Higgins acknowledged the support the leadership of the Kingdom lends to such competitions and the role it plays internationally – one which is reflected by the lofty position occupied by the Kingdom in the sport at international level.

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Ambassador Abdulaziz Aldriss conveyed greetings and best wishes from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - to the President.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency, which was made following the semi-final stages of the tournament, Ambassador Abdulaziz Aldriss said: The sponsorship of the Kingdom for an international tournament of this size reflects a firm and continuing desire by the Government of the Kingdom under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques - may God protect him - in building bridges of culture and promote positive interaction; and to emphasise the commonalities between the peoples of the world, and the generous support by him for competitions that give the equestrian sport its excellence and presence on the global level, through the participation of the Saudi Knights and the purebred Arabian horses in international competitions.”

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Ambassador Aldriss also praised the efforts made by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Equestrian Fund, in supporting and promoting the equestrian sport on a global level.

The Ambassador mentioned how these events have a positive impact on the consolidation of bilateral relations between the two countries, which are witnessing a remarkable development at all levels; and the contribution of this contest in the definition of cultural heritage of the kingdom, of which equestrian forms an integral part.

On his part, the Director General of the tournament, John Roche, expressed thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom and His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Equestrian Fund, on the success of the fund in sponsoring this special event, which saw a high level official attendance, and had a very popular follow-up by the Irish people. The round marked the attendance of more than 100,000 spectators and received significant international media coverage.