Saudi leadership discusses with Indian FM means to develop political, economic cooperation

Saudi monarch meets former U.S. president on regional issues

Interior minister says works to free Saudi detainees in Iraq’s jails

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet's session at Al-Yamamah Palace.

At the outset of the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the Cabinet on the consultations he held over the previous days with a number of leaders of countries and their envoys on bilateral relations, regional issues and international affairs. In this regard, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques valued the visit paid by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last Wednesday which affirmed the brotherly relations between the two countries as well as their joint positions in supporting Arab and Islamic issues.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, the Minister of Culture and Information Iyad bin Amin Madani said that the Cabinet stressed in this context the Kingdom's continual support to the unity of the Iraqi people and its confrontation of attempts to divide the Iraqi people and to marginalize the national forces in the interest of foreign and regional influence.

The Cabinet also emphasized that the Kingdom stands at the same distance from all Lebanese factions. The Kingdom calls on all Lebanese to work on uniting Lebanon in one front loyal to Lebanon only and capable to surpass the stage of domination to which Lebanon was subjected and the new attempts seeking to dominate Lebanon and put it in a series of regional influence contrary to the concepts of national option and the unity of the Islamic ranks.

The Minister of Culture and Information also said that the Cabinet renewed its call for Palestinian leaders to find a way towards a national unity government based on covenants and charters agreed upon, as this is the only way to confront Israeli obstinacy and international alliances supporting it.

The Cabinet reviewed the developments in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, urging the countries of the region not to make Somalia an arena for their conflict. The Cabinet also urged the countries of the region to cooperate to give an opportunity to the Somali people and their leaders to reach a formula of a national unity that will end the ongoing violence in Somalia and prevent its transformation into a zone of influence.

The Minister noted that the Cabinet reviewed a number of topics on its agenda and approved the relevant decisions.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah Palace a number of princes and a group of citizens who came to greet him.

Also, the King received Prince Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Kharj Governorate; and a group of citizens from Kharj Governorate.

The King thanked the citizens of Kharj Governorate, saying "Thank you. May Allah bless you. It is not a strange position from the citizens of Kharj Governorate. They had positive attitudes to Late King Abdulaziz. It is not strange that you are loyal to your religion and homeland".

The Monarch also received Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Asir Region, and a group of citizens from Asir Region. The King thanked the citizens of Asir Region, saying "Thank you. All Asir Region is known of its support to Al Saud. We will never forget this position from you, your fathers and grandfathers. I thank you and wish you all success. I will look into your demands, thank you".

The audience was attended by a number of princes and senior officials.

Meanwhile, the Saudi king Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received at Yamamah palace ambassadors designate in Sweden Dr. Abdulrahman Al Jedeia; in Portugal, Hisham bin Sultan Al-Qahtani; and in Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al-Basairy.

The king sent his greetings to the leaders of these countries and urged the ambassadors to strengthen relationships between the kingdom and these countries and to be the best ambassadors of their religion, homeland and people.

The meeting was attended by Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence and a number of advisers to the King.

The king also received at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah Palace former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the accompanying delegation.

During the audience, they reviewed several issues of common interest.

The audience was attended by Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, the 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; Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, Adviser to the King; Dr. Nizar Obaid Madani, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; and Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Saudi Ambassador to the United States of America.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah Palace Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee and the accompanying delegation.

During the audience, Pranab Mukherjee conveyed to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques the greetings of Indian President Pratibha Devising Patil and the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In turn, the King sent his greetings to the Indian President and the Prime Minister.

The audience was attended by Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, the 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; Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, Adviser to the King; Dr. Nizar Obaid Madani, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Saudi Ambassador to the United States of America; Saleh Al-Ghamdi, Saudi Ambassador to India and M.O.H Farooq, Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior patronized the awarding ceremony of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Saudization Prize for private enterprises in its sixth season.

Upon arrival at the venue, Prince Naif was received by Minister of Labor Dr. Ghazi bin Abdulrahman Al-Gosaibi and a number of officials. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion.

In his speech, Dr. Al-Gosaibi expressed his thanks to and appreciation of Prince Naif for supporting Saudization plans.

He said, "Saudization is the only way to a bright future for our youth, and our young people are the only way to a bright future of the homeland".

Prince Naif said that the Saudization process has an impact on the continuity of the establishments and firms because the continuity of these establishments and firms mainly depends on the existence of stable workforce, unlike the case with the imported workforce which is subject to the principle of supply and demand.

"Saudization of the workforce constitutes one of the most important elements for the success of the national sustainable development and the continuity of the performance of the establishments, " he noted.

Prince Naif said honoring of the establishments, winners of the prize in 1426 AH and 1427 AH, which have remarkably succeeded in attracting the Saudi youth constitutes appreciation of any sincere effort which may contribute to the acceleration of the wheel of economic and social development in this dear country, and will enhance the efforts of the state to Saudize the workforce and raise the living standard of the citizens and enable the youth to serve their country and build their future through serious work.

He pointed out that the continuous training which raises the efficiency of the youth and makes their recruitment an important element will prevent the outflow of the country's resources abroad at a time when the sons of the country are in a bad need of these resources.

He expressed appreciation for the sincere efforts exerted by Dr Ghazi Al-Gosaibi in this respect, and thanked the winners of the prize for their national efforts, and hoped that the winners would be models for others as regards attracting the youth and enabling them to enter the labor market. Prince Naif urged the youth to benefit from the available opportunities and to prove their capability in the service of their country, themselves and the community.

Later, Prince Naif handed over the prizes to the winning establishments. The winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz for Saudization included Aramco Company For Gulf Works, which was awarded the Diamond Prize, the Arab Petrochemicals Company ranked the first in the field of industry and was awarded the Golden Prize, the Advanced Electronic Company ranked the second and obtained the Silver Prize, while the Saudi Iron And Steel Company ranked the third and obtained the Bronze Prize.

In the field of education Al-Bayariq Schools ranked the top and won the Golden Prize, Al-Dhahran Schools ranked the second and won the Silver Prize, while Dar Al-Huda Schools for girls ranked the third and won the Bronze Prize.

In the field of construction, maintenance and operation, Riyada Company ranked the first and won the Golden Prize, al-Hukeit contracting company ranked the second and won the Silver Prize, while Ban Nesma Company ranked the third and won the Bronze Prize.

Al-Nahda Female Charitable Society ranked the first and won the Golden Prize, Ummal Qura Female Charitable Society ranked the second and won the Silver Prize, while Suleiman bin Abdulaziz al-Rajihi Charitable Society ranked the third and won the Bronze Prize.

In the sector of banks, the National Commercial Bank ranked the first and won the Golden Prize, the Saudi-British bank ranked the second and bagged the Silver Prize, while the Riyad bank ranked the third and won the Bronze Prize.

In the sector of trade, Al-Holoul Trading Company ranked the top and won the Golden Prize, the Saudi Light Food Company ranked the second and won the Silver Prize.

The Saudi Electricity Company won the Golden Prize in the sector of electricity, gas and water; Arab Pole Company ranked the second, while the Arab Geophysics And Survey company was the third rank and won the Bronze Prize.

In the sector of transport and telecommunication, the Al-Ittihad Telecommunications Company ranked the top and won the Golden Prize; Sabic For Storage Services ranked the second and won the Golden Prize, while al-Salam Aircraft Company ranked the third.

In the field of media and publication, Okaz Press And Publication establishment ranked the top and won the Golden Prize, Al-Yamama Press Establishment was the second and won the Silver Prize, while al-Madinah press and printing establishment ranked the third.

As regards Chambers Of Commerce And Industry, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry ranked the top and won the Golden Prize, the Eastern Region's Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the second and won the Silver Prize, while the Council of The Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry was the third and won the Bronze Prize.

In the sector of the health care, the Al-Aun Center ranked the top, and won the Golden Prize, the Saudi Pharmaceutical And Medical Supplies Company was the second, while Dr Abdul-Rahman Bakhsh hospital ranked the third. The function was attended by a number of princes, ministers, ulema, businessmen and officials.

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior and Honorary President of National Retirees' Society patronized the launching ceremony of the Society.

Upon arrival at the venue of the ceremony, Prince Naif was received by Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of the General Intelligence; Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thinayan Al Saud, Chairman of Royal Commission of Jubail and Yanbu and Chairman of the Advisory Body of the Society.

Prince Naif watched a replica of the Society's building.

A speech ceremony was held on this occasion.

On his part, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thinayan Al Saud, who is also the Head of the Consultative Commission of the Society, said the leaders of this country are accustomed to honor their people.

He highlighted the support of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to the National Retirees' Society.

The Society, in its capacity as one of the organizations of the civil society, it will add more to the efforts being exerted by the concerned authorities in the service of the retirees.

Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thinayan noted that the Society will work for benefiting from the experiences of the retirees. "Moreover, it will contribute to improving the services being extended to the retirees and their families in line with the available capabilities in coordination with the concerned authorities.

Later, a SR 2 million donation of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz to the Society was announced.

SABIC also donated SR 1 million to the Society. There were also donations which exceeded an amount of SR 3.75 million from other parties.

Speaking on the occasion, Prince Naif, said "it is a great honor for me at this moment to announce the establishment of the National Retirees' Society, and to highlight the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz during a meeting, when I was accompanied by the Head of the Society's Consultative Commission, the Society's Head and Members."

He noted that the King had wisely focused on the basic dimensions of any sincere national mission, namely: the religion, the homeland, work and patience.

"These words which have great meanings plainly summarize a sincere working strategy for a wise national leader," he said.

"Religion is the pillar of the life and the base Allah Almighty wanted for the people, while the homeland is the entity established by the unifier of this country, King Abdulaziz bin Abdurrahman al-Faisal al-Saud, on the bases of Islam. Following the unification of the country, security prevailed and the country witnessed prosperity and stability. As regards work, it is the way for attaining success in this life and the hereafter, while patience is the ideal way for reaching these noble purposes."

Prince Naif said "This society was established with the blessings and patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz.

The society includes elite of pioneers of governmental employees at the civilian and military sectors, who had dedicated their efforts in the service of their country, government and society in an efficient manner.

We are looking forward that the Society will meet their requirements and invest their experiences in a manner that benefit them and benefit their country and society.

We are also looking forward that the activities of the Society will cover the entire regions of the Kingdom, and the experiences of its members will constitute an incentive within the framework of its noble mission and purposes.

It is hoped that the society will shoulder its responsibility towards a generation the country has worked to educate them, develop their skills and improve their efficiency.

It is an essential matter that the community in general and the non-governmental sectors in particular will benefit from the society.

We hope that the private sector will invest these experiences and support the programs of the society within the framework of its social responsibility. I pray to Allah Almighty to enable the Society, its officials and personnel, to attain success, and we pray to Allah Almighty to enable us work sincerely for pleasing him."

Later, Prince Naif honored the supporters of the Society. He then received a memorial shield from Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thenayan al-Saud.

The function was attended by a number princes, ministers, Ulema, members of the Society, and a number of officials.

Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region received Premier of Western Cape Province in the South East of South Africa Ibrahim Rasool and accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues of mutual interests.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador Mohammed Mahmood Al-Ali and South African Ambassador to Saudi Arabia John Davies.

He also received Indian Minister of External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee. During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues pertaining to the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by a number of Saudi and Indian officials.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, received United Nations Special Coordinator for Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry. During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest.

The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials.

The prince also received Former U.S. Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend.

During the meeting, they discussed issues of mutual interest.

The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, received Indian Minister of External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries as well as issues of common interest.

The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

Prince Saud held a luncheon in honor of the Indian Minister and the accompanying delegation.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal also received the participants in a special symposium on the situation in Iraq organized by the Institute of Diplomatic Studies, an affiliate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, they discussed the proceedings of the symposium. They also exchanged views on the issues on the agenda of the symposium.

The meeting was attended by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Faisal Centre for Studies and Research; and Dr. Saad Al Ammar, the Director General of the Institute of Diplomatic Studies.

He received U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Welch. During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest.

The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials.

In Doha, Sheikh Hamad bin Jasem bin Jabr Al Thani, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister received Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia currently on a visit to Qatar.

During the meeting, brotherly relations existing between the two countries were reviewed in addition to a number of topics of mutual interest.

On the other hand, Sheikh Hamad held a luncheon in honor of Prince Saud Al-Faisal and the accompanying delegation.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal left Doha after a short visit to Qatar. At Doha International Airport, he was seen off by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister; and Saudi ambassador to Qatar Ahmad bin Ali Al-Qahtani.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee called on Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz within a few hours of his arrival.

The meeting with King Abdullah is the first of a series of high-level meetings the foreign minister is scheduled to have, including with Saudi foreign minister Saud Al-Faisal, during the course of his two-day visit to the Gulf's largest and most influential nation.

Earlier, after his arrival at the Royal Terminal of the King Khalid International Airport on a special Indian Air Force aircraft this afternoon, Mukherjee was met by Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nazaar Obaid Madani.

The Prime Minister's Special Envoy for West Asia and Middle East peace process, C.R. Gharekhan, who is part of the minister's delegation, was also present at the airport along with India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia M.O.H. Farook.

Other members of the delegation include secretary (east) in the external affairs ministry, N. Ravi, external affairs ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna and Vikram Misri, director.

Mukherjee's visit is the most important bilateral visit from the Indian side since King Abdullah's historic visit to India in 2006 when the Delhi Declaration was signed.

"The visit is most important from both sides' point of view in terms of rediscovering each other in the post-Cold War stage," a senior Indian diplomatic official said.

"Because of Saudi Arabia's size and clout in the region, enhanced Indo-Saudi ties will have a positive impact in terms of India's relations with the rest of the region," he said.

Bilateral economic ties between the two countries have also seen an upswing since King Abdullah's visit.

According to the Delhi Declaration, signed by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and King Abdullah, both sides agreed to develop a strategic energy partnership based on complimentaries and inter-dependence which would include reliable, stable and increased volume of crude supplies to India.

India's total trade with Saudi Arabia at the end of 2005-06 stood at $3.4 billion. After the Saudi ruler's visit, it jumped to around $16 billion in 2006-07.

India is Saudi Arabia's fifth largest trading partner after Japan, the US, South Korea and China. Saudi Arabia is the 15th largest market for Indian goods and services while India is the fifth largest market for Saudi Arabia.

In the period 2006-07, Saudi exports to India stood at $13.4 billion. However, Saudi imports from India are significantly lower, totaling $2.6 billion for the same period.

Cooperation in the field of manpower is another important dimension of the Indo-Saudi relationship.

There are approximately 1.5 million expatriate Indians in Saudi Arabia and around 85 percent of them are engaged as blue-collar workers. Remittances from these Indian workers are estimated to be around $3 billion annually and these contribute significantly to the Indian economy.

Mukherjee's visit is also being seen as a continuation of the new process of enhanced bilateral engagements and a new cycle of high-level visits from India is being initiated.

The foreign minister's visit is also expected to lay the groundwork for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Riyadh sometime later this year.