Saudi Arabia's speech at AMED calls for cooperation to set up fruitful relations between countries

AMED calls for int'l conference to combat terrorism, Mideast free from weapons of mass destruction

UN Undersecretary General praises Saudi role in providing humanitarian aid

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated its firm and permanent position in support of all Arab issues, commitment to the peace process and support for peaceful efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict and Kingdom's desire to work and cooperate with all for the interest of the peoples of the region and the world.

In a speech delivered at the second ministerial meeting of Asian-Middle Eastern Dialogue currently in progress in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Prince Dr. Turki bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabeer, Assistant Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, Director of International Organizations Department, and head of the delegation of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the meeting said," We in the Middle East appreciate our relationship with our Asian friends with whom we are bound by firm and historical relations transcend the material interests and prompt benefits", affirming distinguished relationship between the two parties and looking forward to the results of this meeting to enhance dialogue and cooperation aiming to achieve the interests of the two parties.

Prince Turki stressed the Kingdom's standing side by side with its Arab brethren, pointing to its participation in the international conference held in Annapolis at the invitation of U.S. President George W. Bush, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between the concerned parties to reach a final solution to the key topics which include Al-Quds, settlements, borders, refugees, prisoners and segregation wall to establish an independent Palestinian and contiguous viable state living in peace and security side by side with Israel.

The Prince pointed out that the recent Arab summit in Damascus has welcomed the Russian offer to hold a follow-up conference of Annapolis Conference in Russia, noting that the success of the conference depends on clear and direct dealing between these parties with basic elements of an overall solution to all the tracks in a reasonable and specific time frame.

Prince Turki said that the Kingdom has always stressed the necessity of respecting the unity, sovereignty and independence of Iraq, preserving its identity and territorial integrity, refraining from interfering in its internal affairs and rejecting any claims of division.

He stressed the importance of implementing the Arab initiative included in statements No. 113 and 116 issued by the Council of the Arab League at the ministerial level in its extraordinary session on the situation in Lebanon.

He affirmed the need for Israel to abide by international resolutions and to complete its withdrawal from all Lebanese territories without exception.

The Prince emphasized the importance that the whole Middle East region including the Gulf region should be free from weapons of mass destruction, calling upon the international community to pressure Israel to submit its nuclear facilities to international inspection and to ratify Non-Proliferation Nuclear Weapons Treaty.

Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabeer noted that the Kingdom supports the right of all states to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and hoped that Iran positively responds to international efforts that seek to achieve a quick and peaceful end to the problem of the Iranian nuclear program.

On the phenomenon of international terrorism, the Prince said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as one of the states targeted by terrorism, has condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, achieved significant successes in addressing it, joined International counter-terrorism conventions and held international counterterrorism conference in Riyadh in 2005, which adopted a proposal of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to establish an international center to combat terrorism under the umbrella of the United Nations.

He affirmed that no religion calls for terrorism and that all religions call for noble values, tolerance, cooperation and constructive dialogue for the benefit of human society.

The Prince indicated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, though it is a developing country, provided about 4 percent of its gross national product in economic aid during the past three decades, the highest rate in the world and that in the area of debt relief the Kingdom waived more than $ 6 billion of debt owed by the most needy states.

Prince Turki said that the Kingdom founded Energy Forum and hosted its secretariat general in Riyadh to be as a platform to discuss aspects and opportunities for cooperation and dialogue between producing and consuming countries to intensify cooperation among themselves to stabilize markets of oil as a strategic commodity important to the global economic growth.

He indicated the announcement of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during the opening of third OPEC summit in Riyadh on the Kingdom's allocations of $ 300 million to finance research in the field of energy, environment and climate change.

Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabeer noted the call of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to establish a dialogue between religions, which has been widely welcomed by various religious leaders and the international community to create a constructive dialogue serving humanity.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit had opened the Second Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED II) in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh with representatives from 48 Asian and Middle Eastern countries participating.

This ministerial meeting is a key gathering in light of ongoing efforts to formulate new and practical principles to capitalize on the vast humanitarian and financial potentials of the countries in the two regions, Abul-Gheit, who presides over AMED II, told the opening session.

Several Asian and Middle East countries have gained a multitude political and economic experiences within the few past decades, he said.

He expressed hope the dialogue's discussions would culminate into creative ideas and practical recommendations that rise up to the level of aspirations of nations in the two regions and lead to serious cooperation in the service of their interests and needs.

The Sharm el Sheikh dialogue is held in light of successive international changes, regional tensions and new social and cultural phenomena that were imposed by the effects of globalization and an unprecedented entwinement of international relations, which penetrated the various aspects of man's life, sometimes infringing the national sovereignty, Abul-Gheit said.

The two-day dialogue, held in the Middle East for the first time, is held under the theme "Partnership in Action Towards a Better Future". Singapore hosted the first AMED on June 20-22, 2005.

The AMED as a gathering, is the first of its kind, between the two regions, issues to be discussed are diverse and opportunities presented are great to consolidate cooperation between the governments and peoples on both sides, Abul Gheit said.

Abul Gheit praised the Singapore 2005 dialogue for having set new principles and creative horizons for an Asia-Middle East dialogue towards a promising future for relations for the two regions.

An economic working group meeting will be held soon in Egypt with the participation of the private sector from countries of the two regions to open new vistas for trade, investment and joint ventures and to discover new potentials for cooperation in science, technology and scientific research, he said.

The Middle East is witnessing critical conditions in Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon and Sudan and Arab nations are facing great challenges to their present and future that slow down the march towards development and peace in the region, Abul Gheit said.

Peace and development efforts must be promoted and this dialogue can, through political support and enhanced economic, trade, scientific and cultural cooperation, promote the efforts of societies to attain a decent life and secure future for the generations to come, he said.

The cultural aspect has become a key factor in relations between Asia and the Middle East, and the two regions must set a fresh model for cultural and civilizational interaction to contribute to spreading the culture of tolerance, respect and interaction with the other, Abul Gheit said. This will serve the interests of the two regions and contribute to the realization of world social stability, he said.

Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yong-Boon Yeo, taking the floor after Abul Gheit, praised President Hosni Mubarak's great role in setting the Asia-Middle East dialogue.

The dialogue has made great progress since its launching in Singapore in 2005 and contributed to reviving the historic relationship between the two regions, he told AMED II opening session.

With Asia now representing an attraction center of the world's economy, the Asia-Middle East ties will not only be enhanced in the economic sphere, but the political and cultural as well, he said.

China and India have turned Asia into the world's fastest growing region, Middle East investments in Asia have multiplied in the past years and the Middle East is attracting Asian companies in the various fields, he said. The Middle East has become very important to the Singaporean economy, the trade volume has risen by 50 percent, reaching dlrs 35 billion last year only, he said.

The AMED gathering in Sharm el Sheikh represents a great opportunity to propel trade exchange between the two regions, he said.

Addressing the conference on behalf of the Middle East, Egyptian Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni said this gathering brought to mind the historic Silk Road that connected Asia and the Mediterranean through trade and cultural transmission routes some 2,000 years ago.

There is need for tolerance and dialogue now that the world has been living in constant tension, he said.

Meantime, China's Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who leads his country's delegation to the Asia-Mideast dialogue, called for the need to confront the fierce competition of globalization that led to big differences between countries concerning the imbalance between the environment and climate change and development.

Asian and Arab countries must take several measures to achieve peace, security and development by promoting stability in the Middle East, he said.

He called on the two sides to enhance cooperation in the economic, social, energy, tourism and trade spheres.

China is committed to the stability, peace and prosperity of Arab countries, he said.

The Second Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED II) called for boosting cooperation between Asia and the Middle East regions.

In its final communiqué, AMID II underlined the importance of focusing on cooperation in domains serving the mutual interest to both regions. The Sharm El Sheikh Declaration, which was issued at the closing session of the meetings, underscored the need for creating a favorite atmosphere to guarantee stability and security in the two regions.

AMED II declaration also called for fortifying peace, stability and economic development for the wellbeing of both regions saying that a stronger and closer interaction and dialogue would help the two regions to exchange their expertise, strengthen their bonds and increase their influence in the world.

The declaration said that the aim of AMED II is to establish a permanent friendship, peace and cooperation relations between the peoples of the two regions stressing the importance of solidifying historical, cultural and good neighborly ties between them.

The declaration asserted support for the initiative to hold a United Nations-sponsored international conference to combat terrorism and the idea of establishing an international anti-terrorism center under the aegis of the international organization.

It also affirmed support for inter-faith and inter-cultural dialogue that could play an immense role in spreading tolerance and mutual respect among people of diverse cultures.

The declaration stressed the necessity of adopting specific measures to boost economic cooperation among the two regions, especially in logistics, building infrastructures, small and medium industries, energy, food security , technology transfer, monetary and financial services and environment conservation.

AMED II meeting was opened Saturday and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit was handed over its chairmanship by his Singaporean counterpart George Yong-Boon Yeo in his capacity as the outgoing chairman of the dialogue.

The Asia-Middle East Dialogue was launched in Singapore in June 2005 with a view to realizing greater understanding between Asia and the Middle East at governmental and non-governmental levels, and to fostering a comprehensive mutually-beneficial cooperation and cementing innovative and practical interrelationship between the two regions.

Prominent speakers and moderators from Asia and the Middle East addressed different issues and topics of the meeting in free and frank atmosphere among themselves as well as between them and the audience. At the opening session of the meeting two keynote speakers from Asia and the Middle East addressed the assembly elaborating the prospects and potentials of cooperation and dialogue between the governments and peoples of Asia and the Middle East.

The two-day meeting focused on three tracks : political issues, economic issues, and social, scientific, and media issues. Under these tracks selected issues and topics were addressed including political and economic reforms, governments and civil societies, combating terrorism, expanding trade and investment between the two regions, cooperation between oil producers and consumers, science and technology and IT, human resources development and movement of labor forces, climate change, and combating defamation of religions.

The Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED) was conceived by the former prime minister of Singapore Goh Chok Tong to foster dialogue and mutual understanding, as well as strengthen co-operation between Asia and the Middle East in different areas.

Singapore hosted the inaugural AMED in June 2005 whose theme was "Common Interests and Common Challenges."

The key objectives of AMED are: to increase greater understanding between Asia and the Middle East at the people-to-people level as well as governmental level, to foster mutually-beneficial cooperation between the two regions; to produce policy recommendations that can be considered by participating governments on political, economic and social issues and conceptualize initiatives to enhance relations between Asia and the Middle East and to provide a platform for all voices of moderation to be heard at a time when global events are polarizing views about religion thereby promoting tolerance, inter-faith understanding and dialogue among civilizations.

AMED III is due to be hosted by Thailand.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit underlined the importance of holding the Second Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED II) in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh with representatives from 48 Asian and Middle Eastern countries participating.

In statements on the sidelines of the meeting, Abul Gheit noted that the gathering will furnish the participants with an opportunity to boost relations between Asia and the Middle East.

Joint cooperation is aimed at increasing investments and securing money transfer and boosting development marches in both regions, he pointed out.

Several Asian and Middle East countries have gained a multitude political and economic experiences within the few past decades, he said.

He expressed hope the dialogue's discussions would culminate into creative ideas and practical recommendations that rise up to the level of aspirations of nations in the two regions and lead to serious cooperation in the service of their interests and needs.

The two-day dialogue, held in the Middle East for the first time, was held under the theme "Partnership in Action Towards a Better Future". Singapore hosted the first AMED on June 20-22, 2005.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif called on Arab banks to play a bigger role in supporting Arab-Arab trade and increasing Arab trade exchange.

Addressing the opening session of the Arab Banking Conference 2008 currently in session in Cairo, Nazif said inter Arab trade did not exceed 11% of total Arab external trade.

Entitled "The Role of Banks in Financing Arab Investments Projects", the conference will end its activities on April 7.

The conference is an important opportunity for crystallizing a joint vision on Arab banks to refer it to Kuwait's economic summit to be held late this year, Nazif said in the speech read out in his behalf by the Central Bank of Egypt Governor Farouq al-Oqda.

The Egyptian premier highlighted the necessity of making use of Arab funds abroad to invest them in Arab integrated development projects.

Nazif called for accelerating the implementation of integration projects among Arab banks such as a project for establishing data network which would provide information for all banks.

For his part, the CBE governor said Arab banks are committed to international standardizations in accountancy fields and risk management. Oqda said the CBE set a strategy to develop the financial sector, represented in restructuring public banks, raising their administration efficiency, and settling bad debts.

The Cairo Conference seeks to focus on the priorities of investment projects in key strategic sectors highly crucial to the economic integration process of Arab countries.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit and Swedish counterpart Carl Bildt discussed the situation in the Palestinian territories.

The meeting, which came on the sidelines of The Second Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED II), focused on the peace negotiations and the situation in the Gaza Strip, said an Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman.

The two sides also reviewed Egyptian contacts with all parties concerned in a bid to attain progress and help the Palestinians set up their independent state and ease their suffering, added the spokesman.

The two sides also dealt with other issues of mutual concern including the Euro-Med cooperation and Arab-European relations, said the spokesman. Abul Gheit underlined the importance of activating all aspects of moderation for a better cooperation, added the spokesman.

For his part, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt praised Egypt's role in the Middle East.

Bildt said he is on a regional tour covering also Jordan, the Palestinian territories and Israel.

The remarks made on the sidelines of his participation in The Second Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED II).

He urged the international community to support direct negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The two sides are primarily responsible for attaining progress on the ground and reducing violence and counter violence, he added.

Sweden is much concerned about the settlement activities in the Palestinian territories, he pointed out. He added that his country was closely following up the Lebanese political crisis.

The United Nations Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes left Riyadh after an official two-day visit to the Kingdom, during which he met the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the President of Saudi Red Crescent Society.

At King Khalid International Airport, he was seen off by the Director of the Aid Department and International Relations, Moaffaq Al-Bayouk.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs expressed his happiness over visiting the Kingdom and his meetings which he described them as very constructive. He said that the most important meetings were held with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf and Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the President of Saudi Red Crescent Society.

The UN Undersecretary General said, "We discussed our desire and hope to intensify cooperation and coordination between Saudi Arabia and the United Nations in the humanitarian field in addition to agreement on several issues that will be followed up later."

He valued the Kingdom’s initiative and its health and relief contributions, saying, "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is generous in assisting those affected by humanitarian and natural disasters."

He expressed his appreciation of and thanks to the Government and people of the Kingdom for the generous hospitality and warm welcome accorded to him by the King and officials. He added, "I leave the Kingdom with a great hope that this meeting will intensify cooperation between the United Nations and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the area of coordination and strengthening of cooperation to provide aid to the affected people".

Holmes appealed to the GCC countries and the entire world for further action and support for humanitarian aid to the most possible number of those affected people to get benefit from this aid particularly in the Islamic countries comprising Palestine, Darfur, Somalia, Iraq and all the affected peoples whether Islamic or not.

The Undersecretary General said," We are confident that this visit and follow-up coordination will assist all these countries in helping the affected people. We appreciate the Kingdom's assistance in this regard . There is hope by the virtue of the Kingdom's support and more coordination at the international level for direct and expeditious delivery of aid to those affected people.

Bahrain will host the dialogue conference between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the U.S. with the participation of Egypt and Jordan to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East.

Bahraini news agency quoted diplomatic sources as saying that the meeting will gather the foreign ministers of the U.S., GCC countries, Egypt and Jordan to discuss the Palestinian cause, the Iraqi crisis, the situation Lebanon and the Iranian nuclear file.