The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, officially launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Program for the Distribution of Dates and Iftar Meals in the Republic of Kosovo for the year 1445 AH. The program aims to support more than 24,000 beneficiaries throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The launch ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Islamic Community in the capital, Pristina.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Albania and the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Faisal bin Ghazi Hafzi, and the Deputy Grand Mufti of the Republic of Kosovo, Sheikh Ahmed Sadri, along with a number of prominent Islamic figures and academics. The program includes the distribution of five tons of premium dates, benefiting approximately 20,000 people, in addition to a Ramadan iftar program that aims to provide complete iftar meals for around 4,000 fasting individuals in various regions.
Historical background of Saudi-Kosovar relations
These initiatives come within the framework of the strong fraternal relations that bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Kosovo. The Kingdom was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo's independence in 2009, and since then has provided continuous political, economic, and humanitarian support. Religious and humanitarian programs, particularly during Ramadan, are an integral part of this support, reflecting the Kingdom's keenness to strengthen ties with Muslim communities in the Balkans, of which Kosovo is an important part due to its Muslim majority.
The importance and expected impact of the initiative
Locally, these programs are of great importance in alleviating the economic burdens on needy families in Kosovo during Ramadan and contribute to strengthening the values of social solidarity and compassion. They also deepen the sense of unity and Islamic brotherhood between the Kosovar people and the Kingdom. Internationally, these initiatives highlight the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving Islam and Muslims worldwide. They are a practical embodiment of the Kingdom's global humanitarian mission and a tool of soft diplomacy that enhances the Kingdom's positive image as a nation that supports peace, stability, and solidarity among peoples.
In his address at the ceremony, Ambassador Faisal Hefzi emphasized that the launch of these programs embodies the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Crown Prince – may God protect them – to support Muslims everywhere and address their needs. He noted that this contribution is an extension of the Kingdom's ongoing support for its brothers and sisters in various countries around the world. For his part, the Deputy Mufti of Kosovo expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom for this generous gesture, which reflects the depth of Islamic brotherhood.
