Cote d'Ivoire's President decorates OPEC Fund Director General

Abidjan, August 10, SPA -- Cote d'Ivoire's President Gbagbo decorated
the Director General of the OPEC Fund for International Development
(OFID) Suleiman Al-Herbish with a National Medal of Honor in
recognition of OFID efforts as well as his efforts to support
economic and social development in Africa, particularly in the
Republic of Cote d'Ivoire.

On the other hand, OFID Director General visited Abidjan during the
period from 7 to 8 August 2009 at the invitation of President Gbagbo.

During the visit, a loan agreement was signed with Cote d'Ivoire's
Minister of Economy and Finance. The loan amounted to $ 8.5 million.

The OFID Director General highlighted the Kingdom's initiatives in
all fields, especially the initiative of the Custodian of the Two
Holy Mosques "Energy for the Poor" which was announced in Jeddah in
June 22, 2008.

--SPA
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