Saudi-U.S. talks tackle regional developments, peace process, means to boost bilateral ties

President Bush visits King Abdulaziz Historical Center

White House notifies Congress about Saudi arms deal

President of the United States of America George W. Bush arrived in Riyadh on an official three-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At King Khalid International Airport, Bush was received by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who welcomed him and the accompanying delegation.

President Bush was also received by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf Al Miqren, Mayor of Riyadh Region; Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Tobaishi, Chief of Royal Protocol; Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Saudi Ambassador to the United States of America; and Ford Fraker, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Then President Bush shook hands with Prince Miteb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Interior Minister; Prince Saud Al Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region; 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; Prince Turki bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, General President of Meteorology and Environment Protection; Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs; Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saud, Assistant Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Dr. Mansour bin Miteb bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Secretary General of Supreme Commission for Tourism; Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs; Prince Abdulaziz bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Adviser to the King; Prince Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Adviser to the King; Prince Dr. Bandar bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Saud, Adviser to the King; Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Saudi Red Crescent; and a number of ministers, senior civil and military officials and members of the U.S. Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Then the Monarch shook hands with members of the official delegation accompanying the U.S. President.

Following that, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud accompanied President Bush to the guest residence. They were accompanied by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General.

Upon their arrival, President Bush shook hands with Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General.

The official delegation accompanying President Bush included Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolton, Assistant to the President For National Security Steve Hadley, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and a number of U.S. administration officials.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and U.S. President George W. Bush co-chaired a round of official talks at the King's palace in Riyadh.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques decorated President George W. Bush with King Abdulaziz's necklace, granted to senior leaders of nations in the world.

On his part, U.S. President expressed his thanks to and appreciation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for granting him the necklace of King Abdulaziz expressing his happiness with this honor.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received at his palace in Riyadh President Bush.

At the outset of the audience, the President shook hands with princes, ministers, and senior civil and military officials.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud welcomed the President, wishing him and the accompanying delegation a good stay in the Kingdom. On his part, President Bush expressed thanks to and appreciation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation.

Then the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques held a dinner party in honor of President Bush and accompanying delegation.

The audience and the dinner party were attended by Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Allegiance-Pledge Commission; Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 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; Prince Bandar bin Mohammed bin Abdulrahman; Prince Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saud; Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Interior Minister; Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Saud Al Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Abdul-Ilah bin Abdulaziz; Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Interior; and Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence.

During the session, they discussed the developments of events in the region, particularly developments in the Palestinian issue in light of Annapolis conference and the international efforts to achieve peace in the region and enable the Palestinian people of their right to establish their independent state on their national soil according to the American President's vision on this matter, the road map, Arab peace initiative and International legitimacy resolutions.

The session also touched the situation in Iraq and the need to preserve its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and achieving harmony and equality of rights and duties among all spectrums of the Iraqi people. The talks included the international efforts in combating terrorism in all its forms. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in this regard, called on the United Nations to include under its umbrella the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, the set up of which has been called for by the monarch during the first International Conference for Combating Terrorism held in Riyadh in 2005.

Talks also touched the overall regional and international issues, including the position of each of the two countries in addition to the prospects of cooperation between the them and means of supporting and strengthening them in all fields to serve the interests of the two countries and two friendly peoples.

The two sides will continue talks within the remaining days of the visit to include the situation in Lebanon and a number of topics of common concern.

The session was attended by Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Allegiance-Pledge Commission; Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 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; Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Interior Minister; Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Saud Al Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Abdul-Ilah bin Abdulaziz; Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Interior; Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence, and Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S.A.

On the American side, the session was attended by President Bush's accompanying delegation.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz received at his ranch President George W. Bush of the United States of America within the framework of his current visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Upon arrival at the headquarters of the stable of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz's sons, the U.S. President shook hands with Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saud, Assistant Chief of General Intelligence; Prince General Miteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Deputy Commander of the National Guard for Military Affairs; and number of princes and officials.

Then the King and the U.S. President watched a show of thoroughbred Arab horses.

The Monarch presented to President Bush a number of memorial gifts on this occasion.

On a car tour, the U.S. President watched some of the contents of the ranch's pets.

At the end of the tour, President Bush arrived at the special camp for launching falcons.

The King and the U.S. President watched a show of launching falcons for hunting prey.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz held at his ranch a dinner party in honor of President George W. Bush of the United States of America.

US President George W. Bush also visited King Abdulaziz Historical Center.

On arrival at the venue of the Center, the U.S. President was welcomed by Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Riyadh region, and a number of princes and senior officials.

Bush participated in "Aradhah" - a traditional dance organized on the occasion.

He also watched a show which displays photographs that embody the existing historical relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US.

Bush wrote in the visitors book at the desk presented to the Late King Abdulaziz by the then US President Harry Truman in 1950.

Later, President Bush, accompanied by Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz visited the National Museum, where he was welcomed by Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Secretary General of the Higher Tourism Commission.

Bush watched the hall of the Prophet's Mohammed's (Peace be upon him) mission which sheds light on the biography of the Prophet since his birth up to his Hegira (emigration) from Makkah to Madinah.

He also visited the hall of the first Saudi state and the second Saudi state. Prince Sultan bin Salman briefed him on the contents of the hall and their significance.

Meanwhile, the U.S. President also visited the hall of the Kingdom's unification under the leadership of King Abdulaziz.

Bush expressed admiration for the personality of King Abdulaziz and highlighted his smartness and strength.

President Bush also visited the hall of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques where he was briefed on this Islamic fifth pillar and the development witnessed by Makkah since the establishment of the Holy Kaaba up to this modern time in which the Two Holy Mosques witnessed the implementation of great development projects.

In the visitors book, the U.S. President expressed admiration over the contents of the museum and said these embody the deepness of the civilization of the Kingdom.

Prince Salman presented to him a memorial gift, while Bush presented to Prince Salman a memorial gift.

Bush also received a similar gift from Prince Sultan bin Salman.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister has stressed that the current visit of U.S. President George W. Bush to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comes within the framework of 'strong and historical relations' between the two countries enduringly characterized by frankness, transparency, and serious and continual works in serving the joint interests and addressing regional and international problems within the bilateral framework of their strategic partnership.

Prince Saud pointed out that this spirit prevailed in the profound, serious and prolonged talks held between The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and President Bush.

Delivering a speech at the outset of a joint press conference held with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Prince Saud said,'' On behalf of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the government and people of the Kingdom, I have the honor to welcome again U.S. President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Dr. Rice and the U.S. media attending the conference."

Prince Saud said he met with the U.S. Secretary of State to carry forward the bilateral talks, adding that these talks covered the relations in all aspects of bilateral economic, commercial, cultural, educational, security and military ties which form the entire framework of all issues for the committees of strategic dialogue that were co-established by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the U.S. President in Crawford in 2005. "The dialogue comprises specialists from concerned departments in the two countries to develop relations in these fields, expand them and work for overcoming any difficulties that might surface.

The Foreign Minister explained that the two sides were acquainted with a number of positive results of the strategic dialogue, one of these bright indicators are the increase in the number of Saudi students on scholarships to the United States from less than 3,000 to more than 15,000 over the last three years and the hike in the volume of trade exchange between the two countries to record levels as the United States is considered among the Kingdom's biggest trading partners and U.S. companies are among the biggest foreign investors in the Saudi market -- thanks to the colossal volume of Saudi investments in the United States.

Prince Saud said security cooperation is considered at its outstanding levels between the two countries in the field of combating terrorism in all its security, intellectual and financial aspects. "Within the strenuous efforts to combat this scourge, the two countries ought to double efforts to resolve regional and international crises, including the Palestinian issue, which became a hotbed for recruiting terrorists in addition to threatening the international security and stability," Prince Saud added. As regards talks on the regional and international issues, Prince Saud al-Faisal said the Palestinian-Israeli dispute had taken a large expanse of the talks, adding that the Kingdom welcomes the US confirmation as regards its commitments to the peace process in the region and the determined trend to accelerate negotiations and urge the parties to honor their commitments for reaching a peace agreement by the end of 2008 in line with the bases of Annapolis which aim at reaching a comprehensive, just and durable solution for the dispute and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state whose parts could be integrated and viable.

Prince Saud said the continuation of Israel's settlement policy throws doubts about the seriousness of the negotiations which basically aim at ending the occupation and restoration of the Palestinian territories at the time when Israel acquires more lands and builds settlements on them.

As regards Iraq, Prince Saud said 'we have expressed our satisfaction over decline in security incidents at its arena, and we hope this situation will be infused for realizing a national reconciliation within the framework of the current political process including the revision of the constitution to guarantee realization of social justice, equality in rights and duties and participation of all Iraqis, irrespective of their beliefs, races and political trends, in the wealth (of the country).

He added that this matter put up the Iraqi government before a historical responsibility towards realizing these goals and deepening the sense of citizenship among the Iraqis.

Prince Saud said the situation in Lebanon was reviewed, adding that the international unanimity to support the plan of the Arab League for the settlement of the crisis of the presidency has brought all Lebanese parties before a historical responsibility as regards to positively responding to these efforts and to work for putting an end to the existing crisis because the higher interests of Lebanon are more important that the narrow fractional interests.

He pointed out that the plan takes into account the principle of agreement and integration among all trends in line with the formula which will preserve the security and stability of Lebanon as well as the independence of its political decision far away from any foreign interventions.

On Pakistan, Prince Saud said its situation also came up for a review, adding that the gutless incidence of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto constitutes a challenge to the Pakistanis and makes it necessary for them, with their different political trends, to unify their ranks for confronting the challenge and enhancing the pillars of their security and stability.

Prince Saud reiterated that the Kingdom calls on the international community to support Pakistan and its stability and refrain from putting any pressure on it in these circumstances.

On her part, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed appreciation for hosting U.S. President George W. Bush by the Saudi government, and highlighted the existing strong and distinguished relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, which dates back to several decades.

Rice noted that she had reviewed with Prince Saud Al-Faisal a number of problems pertaining to the region including the current situation in Lebanon. She urged the Lebanese parties to forge cooperation for resolving their problem, and said such a development will serve the region's security and stability.

Rice underlined the importance of the Arab plan for the settlement of the situation in Lebanon and said the Arab Plan is identical with that of the American viewpoint.

She expressed anxiety over the explosion in Lebanon and voiced sympathy with the families of the victims of the explosion. Commenting on Iraq, Rice stressed the importance of the national reconciliation for the sake of Iraq's and the region's security and stability.

She welcomed the efforts so far exerted in this respect and stressed the importance of the efforts exerted for boosting the peace process in the Middle East.

Later Prince Saud and Rice answered the questions raised by Pressmen.

On the peace process in the Middle East, Rice said progress has been attained in this respect, and called on all Arab countries to exert additional efforts in this regard.

She affirmed that she has felt a strong accord among the Arab countries in this respect when they attended the Annapolis conference and supported its agenda as well as through their backing to the acceleration of the peace process in addition to supporting the efforts being exerted by the US as regards the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

During the talks of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz with the US president on the issue, she said a clear vision on the Palestinian state was presented by Bush, which means a Palestinian state which is viable and geographically linked and sustainable and at the same time contributes to the security of the region and its people.

In reply to a question on addressing Israel and the way it should be addressed, Prince Saud "We have presented a peace plan for the region, which is based on justice for all and on Israel's security."

He noted that this offer was made with good intentions for normalization, and not merely for a peace that ends the dispute, but also to accomplish a peace which leads to opening of borders and exchanges.

Prince Saud added 'I don't know how many more offers we can give to the Israelis. "Before this, In Madrid conference, we joined the peace efforts and the multi-party meetings were attended by all Arab countries."

"Each time there was a need for the Arab countries to demonstrate seriousness for peace, and the Arabs did not let this chance skip them without demonstrating their intention, and they will depend on that."

Commenting on the blast which occurred in Lebanon, and if it was an endeavor to abort any progress in the solution of the Lebanese crisis and the process of elections there, Prince Saud said 'all condole the Lebanese people on the victims of this incident.

He added "if this terror act is aimed at discouraging extension of support to Lebanon and help it reach a solution for its crisis, then it undoubtedly will be unsuccessful."

Prince Saud said the Arab initiative is still on the table, and hoped that the situation in Lebanon would help this initiative because it meets all Lebanese aspirations as regards balance in dealings and legitimacy and amendment of the system of elections in Lebanon on the other side.

He hoped that this incident would make the Lebanese people unite their ranks and reach an understanding for surpassing this crisis.

On the issue of the long time required for obtaining entry visas to the US following the incidents of September 11, Rice said it was an essential matter for the US to review the procedures of entry visas and set a new and a better way for the system.

She noted that George Bush, earlier after this step, realized that it is essential for the US to be viewed as the country which welcomes students, businessmen and those who plan to visit it, and subsequently he started continuous works to ensure security and these efforts were culminated into success.

Rice said there are joint efforts between the US and any country to bring students and to set security measures for granting visas and interviews, adding that her country is keen more than anyone to see the problem of visas resolved.

Coinciding with Bush's arrival to the Saudi Arabia, the U.S. administration officially notified Congress it will offer Saudi Arabia sophisticated Joint Direct Attack Munitions - or "smart bomb" - technology and related equipment.

The deal envisions the transfer of 900 of the precision-guided bomb kits, worth $123 million, that would give Saudi forces highly accurate targeting abilities.

The White House already has notified Congress of five other packages to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, including Patriot missiles. The total amount of eventual sales is estimated at $20 billion, a figure subject to actual purchases.

U.S. national security adviser Steve Hadley sidestepped questions about Arab reaction to the situation in Iran and U.S. hopes they will take action.

During a press briefing aboard Air Force One en route to Saudi Arabia from Dubai, Hadley said called the Iran situation "difficult" and said all sides agree it must be handled in a diplomatic fashion.

Hadley admitted not "much new ground" was broken in the last 48 hours because "our policy is pretty clear. The region understands."

On Saudi Arabia, Hadley said a notification was expected to be sent to Congress by the State Department containing specifics of the Saudi arms deal.