King Abdullah adorns Sarkozy medal of King Abdulaziz, probes bilateral ties

Sarkozy meets Saudi CP, discusses issues of mutual interest

French president offers Saudi Arabia nuclear help

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and French President Nicolas Sarkozy co-chaired the official Saudi-French talks.

At the beginning of the meeting, King Abdullah adorned Sarkozy the medal of King Abdulaziz, which is awarded to the leaders of the world. Sarkozy expressed appreciation for awarding him the medal.

The official talks covered aspects of cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France and means of cementing the strategic partnership between the two countries in all domains.

The talks also covered the Palestinian problem and the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state on their homeland in line with the road map, the Arab peace initiative and the resolutions of the international legitimacy.

The two leaders reviewed the current situation in Lebanon and the Arab efforts which are internationally supported to help the Lebanese people elect their President.

They also discussed the current situation in Iraq and the importance of preserving its unity and realizing the national reconciliation in addition to the regional and international developments.

The Saudi-French official talks were attended by Prince Misha'al bin Abdulaziz, the Head of the Allegiance Commission; Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General; Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Defense and Aviation Minister; Prince Miteb bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, the President of AGFUND; Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Interior Minister; Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz; the Governor of Riyadh region; Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, other princes and senior officials.

On the French side the talks were attended by Sarkozy's accompanying delegation comprising Bernard Kouchner, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Christine Lagarde, the Minister of Finance; Rachida Dati, the Minister of Justice; Xavier Darcos, the Minister of Education; Herve Morin, the Minister of Defense; and Christine Albanel, the Minister of Culture.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz received at his palace France's President Nicolas Sarkozy. At the outset of the audience, the Monarch welcomed the French president and the accompanying delegation, wishing them a good stay in the Kingdom.

On his part, the French President expressed his thanks to and appreciation of the King for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to them.

Later, the King held a dinner party in honor of the French President and the accompanying delegation.

The audience and the party were attended by Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of Allegiance-Pledge Commission; Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Fahd bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz; Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Miteb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; a number of princes; ministers and senior officials.

Sarkozy arrived in Riyadh on a two-day visit to the Kingdom. At King Khalid International Airport, the French President and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.

They were also received by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Miteb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; a number of princes; ministers and senior officials.

The official delegation accompanying the French President included Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Bernard Kouchner; Minister of Economy, Finance, and Employment Christine Lagarde; Minister of Justice Rachida Dati; Minister of National Education Xavier Darcos; Minister of Defense Herve Morin; Minister of Culture and Communication Christine Albanel and a number of officials.

In the presence of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Four cooperation agreements were signed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France.

These accords include an agreement of joint cooperation for bilateral political consultations between the Saudi and French Foreign Ministries. This First agreement was signed by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, and French Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Kouchner.

The second agreement, which pertains to facilitate cooperation in the field of vocational training and technical education, was signed by Dr Ghazi Al-Quseibi, the Minister of labor and chairman of the board of directors of the General Organization for vocational training and technical education and French Minister of National Education Xavier Darcos.

The Third agreement deals with promotion of cooperation in the field of higher education and scientific research. It was signed by Minister of Higher Education Dr Khalid Al-Anqari and French minister of foreign affairs Bernard Kouchner.

The Fourth agreement of cooperation in the field of energy and petroleum and gas was signed by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Eng Ali al-Naimi and French foreign affairs minister Bernard Kouchner.

The signing ceremony of the Four agreements was attended by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General; Prince Miteb bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural affairs; Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Interior Minister; Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, and number of princes and senior officials.

On the French side, it was attended by the Sarkozy's accompanying delegation.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has highlighted the significant role being played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance the pillars of peace in the Middle East region.

In a press statement after signing agreements Sarkozy said the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz is considered as a friend of France.

As regards to his current visit to the Kingdom, he said it has earned a political, economic and cultural significance.

The French President extended an invitation to King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz to visit France.

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, received French President Nicolas Sarkozy and the accompanying delegation.

During the audience, the French President thanked the Crown Prince for the warm welcome extended to him.

Crown Prince Sultan hosted a luncheon in honor of the French President and the accompanying delegation.

The audience was attended by Prince Bandar bin Mohammed bin Abdulrahman; Prince Miteb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Interior Minister; Prince Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Saud Al Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Khalid bin Abdullah bin Mohammed; Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Saad; Prince Khalid bin Fahd bin Khalid; Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General intelligence; Prince Fahd bin Abdullah bin Mohammed, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Civil Aviation Affairs; Prince Turki bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, General President of Meteorology and Environmental Protection; Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs; a number of princes and ministers; Mohammed bin Ismail Al Alsheikh, Saudi Ambassador to France; and senior civil and military officials. On the French side, the audience was attended by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Economy, Finance and Employment Christine Lagarde, Minister of Justice Rachida Dati, Minister of National Education Xavier Darcos, Minister of Defense Herve Morin, Minister of Culture and Communication Christine Albanel and French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Bertrand Besancenot.

Sarkozy also visited King Abdulaziz Historical Center. He was welcomed by Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Riyadh region, and a number of princes and senior officials.

Sarkozy was presented memorial gifts by Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Sultan bin Salman.

In his address to the Shoura Council, Sarkozy highlighted the importance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the level of the Muslim world in its capacity as the country which includes the holy places.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a sacred land for all Muslims, because it is the cradle of Islam and the land where Allah Almighty sent his word to the Prophet to carry it to the human-beings.

He noted that since 14 centuries, the wave of god-fearing, worshipping and belief began their march.

He pointed out that development had led to the emergence of one of the most important civilizations.

"In the Kingdom, we find the holiest land to which the Muslims throughout the world turn their hearts when they perform prayers." Sarkozy lauded the great role being played by the Kingdom under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for the service of the just causes in the Middle East, and for combating terrorism as well as for narrowing gaps among the world cultures.

He highlighted the great steps made by the King to update the systems in the Kingdom so as to make them conform to the developments of the modern time.

"The role of balance and moderation being played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not only important at the regional arena but also at the international arena, and this role is not only significant for the short-term but also for the long-term.

He cited the initiative of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz which was approved by the Arab summit in Beirut in 2002 and the meeting of King Abdullah with the Pope of the Vatican during his recent visit to Italy.

"Whenever King Abdullah meets the Pope, then that will have a great significance to the peace and to the future of civilization, and such a development is more important than several international conferences," he said. "This important initiative of the King has made it clear to the world that the time is not the time for conflict for civilizations and cultures. The King's initiative has also made it clear that it is an essential matter to be open to the others and to the world."

The Kingdom's policy and the works of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques reflect his desire for enhancing openness to the world.

The French president praised the step taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as regards the participation of Saudi women in the Shoura Council through appointing six counselors at the Council in a way that does not conflict with the teachings of Islam.

He stressed that France wants to be a partner to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in economic, strategic, scientific and technical fields. He also said that "France is a partner to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in political field. The Kingdom and France share the same goals of civilization policy. They are also keen to do everything possible in order to prevent clash of civilizations".

"France wants to be a friend of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world", the President said.

With regard to the situation in Lebanon, the president stressed France's support without reservation to the Arab League plan to resolve the situation in Lebanon, pointing out that his country will spare no effort so that the Lebanese Parliament will be able to elect a president.

Regarding the Palestinian cause, he stressed that justice for the Palestinian people is embodied in achieving peace, pointing to the return of hope since Annapolis and Paris Conferences.

President Sarkozy asserted that terrorism stems from intolerance and extremism and has nothing to do with religion, stressing that those who commit terrorist acts are using religion as justification to reach their goals.

The major religions share great principles and values which form the concept of humanity and distinguish humankind from other creatures, President Sarkozy said citing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz as saying in his speech at the annual ceremony held at Mina in honor of Heads of Hajj Missions.

"The West owing gratitude to the Islamic civilization", he added. The president visited the Shoura (consultative) Council.

On arrival at the Council's headquarters, the French President was welcomed by Dr Salih bin Humaid, the Chairman and members of the Shoura Council.

On the occasion of his visit, Sarkozy was presented with a memorial gift by Dr bin Humaid.

In an address at the Shoura Council, Dr Bin Humaid welcomed the French President and said the Shoura Council has been shouldering its responsibility as regards enacting laws and statutes as well as monitoring the performance of the governmental organs.

The Shoura Council has also been assuming its responsibility as regards realizing reforms and development through presenting several files in this respect and studying the problems of the community and trying to find solutions for them, he said, noting that the Shoura Council has been giving attention to the changes in the world at all domains.

Dr Bin Humaid said the Shoura Council has been effectively participating in the parliamentary conferences and seminars which discuss various topics and has been exchanging expertise and benefiting from the successful experiences.

It also works to deepen the principle of dialogue and exchange of views through its membership in the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the continental and regional parliamentary federations.

"In order to enhance its parliamentary relations, The Shoura Council has formed friendship committees with the various parliaments in the world, including the French Parliament," Dr. Bin Humaid said.

He pointed out that the Saudi-French Parliamentary Friendship Committee at the French Parliament visited the Shoura Council about four months ago.

Dr Bin Humaid said the Shoura Council is one of the principles of rule in Islam which is followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He noted that the Shoura Council dates back to nearly 85 years since the era of the Kingdom's Founder - the late King Abdulaziz. "It was re-formed after the issuance of its new system in the era of the Late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz."

On the Saudi-French relations, he said the Two countries have been maintaining good relations since the meeting of the Late King Faisal with the then French President Charles de Gaulle in 1967.

"The Two countries are keen on deepening their relations which were further cemented by the visit of the former President Jacques Chirac to the Kingdom in 2006.

"Moreover, the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, to France in July 2007 stood as a symbol for the existing deep relations between the two countries in various political, economic, cultural and military domains.

The Shoura Council is confident that your visit to the Kingdom will yield positive results," he said.

Dr Bin Humaid drew attention to the Kingdom's religious, political and economic importance and its role in the service of the causes of the region and the world.

He pointed out to the Kingdom's moderate foreign policy and its support to the just causes of the nations and said the Kingdom is aware of its responsibility at the Islamic arena as a country where the Two Holy Mosques are located as well as its role in spreading the spirit of tolerance and dialogue among the nations and cementing cooperation among the human societies.

He underlined the importance of more exchanges in Saudi-French investments in the light of the economic development being witnessed by the Kingdom.

Dr Bin Humaid said despite the progress and development witnessed by the world in the scientific and technological spheres, yet the world remains incapable of finding solutions to the problems which threaten its security and stability.

He called for supporting the just causes so as to enable the world remain in prosperity and security.

He noted that the adherence to the heavenly Shariahs will make it possible to stop degeneration.

He also noted that Islam advocates adherence to good behavior and advocates principles including justice, equality, freedom and preserving rights.

Dr Bin Humaid said the Palestinian problem stands as an example for injustice and sufferings.

He attributed that to the Israeli intransigence and refusal to the peace initiative announced by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, and approved by the Arab summit in Beirut in 2002.

He pointed out that the initiative which has earned a broad international support constitutes a base for the resolution of the problem. He called for cooperation to resolve the problem of Iraq and to enable it restore its security and stability.

Dr Bin Humaid lauded the efforts exerted by France to end the political crisis in Lebanon and said this conforms to the efforts of the Kingdom and the international community in this respect.

On the issue of terrorism, he called for taking the required measure for eradication of terrorism.

He noted that terrorism has no special religion, race or land.

"The Kingdom, which has suffered from terrorism, will spare no effort in fighting this dangerous phenomenon, and its efforts in this respect have been appreciated at the regional and international arenas."

Dr. Bin Humaid said the French foreign policy is characterized by wisdom and far-sightedness, and its stance vis-à-vis the regional and international disputes has been appreciated.

"We, at the Shoura Council, feel the great diplomatic efforts being exerted by your government to realize security and stability in the world in its capacity as a great power , and we hope that France will go ahead on this path because it can positively contribute to enhancing the pillars of global peace and security."

Dr. Bin Humaid reiterated the support of the Shoura Council to any positive development that might contribute to cementing Saudi-French relations.

President Sarkozy of France met in Riyadh with Saudi businessmen at the opening of the meeting of the Saudi French Business Council, organized by the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry Council.

In a key address, Sarkozy expressed pleasure to have this meeting with the Saudi private sector representatives. It is my first visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which gave me a good impression on the great and successful development of your country, he said. Few countries of the world have achieved a rapid economic prosperity as has done Saudi Arabia, he said, lauding the giant infrastructure, industry and social consistency of the Kingdom.

He said his message to the Saudi businessmen is that he wishes to see a strong economic partnership binding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France.

He cited that the French Bourse is Europe's largest with 40 percent of its capital goes to foreign investments. He said France is planning to restore its previous world trade and maritime status. He lauded Paris as one of the world's best financial centers and thanked New York's recent cooperation with its bourse. Also he lauded the International Islamic institutions. Sarkozy expressed his country's concern over high oil prices. I have come to know that oil resources will not deplete if used wisely and that a number of countries have reserved great parts of them for future generations and I think Saudi Arabia is one of them, he said. He welcomed transparent investments in France, saying you are always welcome to invest your capital in France.

He described France as an exceptional field for industrial investment and creation of jobs. We have 71 competitive poles, he said adding that universities, laboratories and research centers could together reach innovation. More than 20 billion Euros was allotted for universities over five years, he said, adding that developmental researches receive tax advantages.

France is planning to enhance its projects in the Kingdom, he said, praising the far-sighted policy and prudence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He cited the balanced and good financial and economic policy management.

He said some 60 French companies with more than 20,000 personnel are based in Saudi Arabia enjoying the advantages of the country's prosperous economy. He underscored the importance of enhancing joint work and investments between the two countries and increasing trade exchanges.

He highlighted the Kingdom's high-profile in the world's economic map in its capacity as the world's biggest producer and exporter of oil, price of which recently hit $100 per barrel.

He expressed belief that it is for the benefit of both producers and consumers of oil that its price is controlled at a reasonable level. He said such a policy would guarantee oil supplies for the current investments within the framework of energy and renewable and nuclear energy economics.

He expressed hope that Saudi Arabia uses its leverage to lend emphasis for this policy.

Then the French President had open talk with Saudi businessmen on the floor.

He also paid a visit to the French embassy in Riyadh.

He was received by the French Ambassador to the country Bertrand Besancenot and other French diplomats.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister described the agreements signed between the Kingdom and France during the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy to the Kingdom as an addition to the existing agreements between the two countries to expand cooperation in economic, investment, cultural, scientific, security and other fields that enhance the ties of friendship for the interest of the peoples of two countries.

Addressing a joint press conference held with French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Bernard Kouchner on the occasion of the visit of France's President to the Kingdom, Prince Saud Al-Faisal said, "On behalf of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Government and people of Saudi Arabia, I am pleased to welcome the French President , my colleague the foreign minister, the accompanying delegation, and the French media."

Prince Saud added that the meeting between The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and President Sarkozy is considered the second between the two leaders following the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to France last July reflecting the depth of historical and strategic relations between the two countries and the extent of consultation and coordination between them at the highest levels and their continuing desire to expand cooperation and to strengthen and enhance relations in their joint interests.

Prince Saud added, "The talks dealt with regional and international issues, the peace process in the region, the Lebanese crisis, the situation in Iraq, the nuclear file in the region, international efforts to combat terrorism, and support for the efforts of dialogue and understanding between religions and cultures".

Prince Saud pointed out that the talks on these topics were characterized by identical views, noting that will be reflected in the joint statement issued on the visit.

On his part, the French Foreign Affairs minister said, "I am pleased over meeting my dear friend and colleague, Prince Saud Al-Faisal. We held talks on Lebanon, Palestinian-Israeli peace process, Iraq, Iran and Darfur."

He added," We have been in agreement on Lebanon for months. We strongly support the Arab League's Initiative and the statement issued by the League last week, despite the presence of some remaining obstacles. We are ready to work once again in an attempt to overcome these obstacles."

The French Foreign Affairs Minister pointed out that there will be a meeting between Michel Amount and Saad Al-Hariri and another meeting between all fourteen parties in Lebanon.

He added, "After that we will see. We are strongly determined to help in the Arab League's initiative, hoping the initiative will end in the following points: first, election of the unanimous candidate, General Michel Suleiman; second, the formation of a government representing all blocs in the parliament, and the third point is the process of election. The three points of the Arab League's initiative are the same ones of the French initiative."

Kouchner believed that if the Arab League does not succeed, there will be a return to the United Nations, expressing hope that the Arab League will succeed in its endeavors.

He pointed out that the French diplomacy has already issued several statements in support of the Arab League's initiative and the endeavors of Prince Saud Al-Faisal, saying," We are undoubtedly in full agreement in this regard.

Then Prince Saud Al-Faisal and the French Foreign Affairs minister replied to reporters' questions.

Responding to a question whether the talks dealt with Syria and its role in Lebanon, the French minister said, "We have not talked about Syria as it has agreed on the draft solution reached by the Arab League."

Replying to a question regarding the Lebanese affair and the Kingdom's next move in this regard and what will happen in the event the Arab League's efforts do not lead to a result, Prince Saud Al-Faisal said, "In fact, the efforts are not of the Kingdom's, but they are of the Arab League’s. The recent decision of the Arab League set a date on 26 for the second meeting to follow up the results of contacts held by the Secretary General in Beirut."

We ,of course, hope that the parties in Lebanon agree to the Arab League's proposals . There will be a planned meeting between all the political blocs in Lebanon with the Secretary General. If this meeting is held, there will be a great hope that they will reach an agreement in this regard.

Asked on the Iranian nuclear issue and if it is discussed with the French side to reach a solution through peaceful dialogue, Prince Saud said," We both agree that the file must not be postponed leading to bad consequences in the region. It should be diplomatically resolved if possible. However, the hope is neither in France's nor in the Kingdom's hands. The hope lies in Iran's responding to the demands of the international organization in this framework and to the conditions and controls wanted by the international organization including the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty. If this happened, we avoid all problems of the region . We hope that Iran will not consider its own interests only, but consider the interests of the entire region and avoid the region disadvantages of escalation.

Replying to a question if talks between the Kingdom and France dealt with arms deals, Prince Saud said," We do not talk with France in a way of deals. We have security cooperation. There is continuing and permanent cooperation with France in the field of armament. These matters are proceeding according to studied plans and specific needs. What is important in the relationship between the two countries is that it is a strategic relationship. This means a friend indeed, a friend in need. This means when a state needs another state, the other one will be ready to contribute to the state's needs. This is happening. We are sure of the French friendship and they are sure of ours. Our matters are proceeding according to the needs and available possibilities.