Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques receives message from Kuwaiti Emir; meets Tony Blair

Saudi Arabia stresses keenness to develop cooperation, understanding with int'l community

Prince Saud Al-Faisal's European tour gains fruitful results

World admits piracy hazard in Somalia; Moussa suggests forming Arab force to face piracy

Statement on outcome of 9th Saudi-Turkish joint economic commission session

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received at the Royal Court at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah princes; senior officials of the Royal Court and Cabinet's Presidency Court; a number of officials and senior commanders and officers of the Royal Guard.

The King also received scholars (Ulema), sheikhs and a group of citizens who came to greet and congratulate the King on his safe arrival in the Kingdom.

The audience was attended by Prince Faisal bin Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a number of princes.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a message from Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The message was delivered to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques during an audience with Economic Advisor at the Emir's Court and Special Envoy of the Emir, Dr. Yousef bin Hamad Al-Ibrahim.

The Kuwaiti Advisor also conveyed to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques the greetings of the Kuwaiti Emir. In turn, the King sent his greetings to the Emir.

The audience was attended by Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence; a number of princes and officials.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received at his palace in Jeddah Britain's former Prime Minister and Special Envoy of International Quartet Committee for Middle East Tony Blair.

During the audience, they discussed the Palestinian issue and the stalled peace process in the region.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz arrived in Jeddah from Casablanca.

Earlier, he had participated in the high-level meeting on the dialogue of followers of religions, cultures and civilizations held at the UN's headquarters in New York.

The King had also participated in the Summit of G-20 held in Washington.

The Monarch was welcomed at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, other princes and high-ranking officials and a group of citizens.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet's session held in Jeddah.

At the outset of the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the cabinet on the meetings, contacts, and consultations he held during the past period with United States President George W. Bush; Former US president William Clinton; US president-elect Barack Obama; United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon; the mayor of New York city; a number of state leaders and heads of governments who attended the special session held at the General Assembly of the United Nations on dialogue among the followers of religions and cultures which was hosted at an initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; the leaders who attended the Economic Summit of the group of 20 which was held in the US capital, Washington, and British former premier and envoy of the international quartet on peace in the Middle East Tony Blair.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, the Minister of Culture and Information Iyad bin Amin Madani said in this context, the Cabinet stressed the importance and depth of relations of friendship and mutual respect between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America and the kingdom's constant policy to extend bridges of understanding to all countries and peoples to serve its national interests and the Arab and Islamic causes and to call for adoption of dialogue and human commonality as a way for rapprochement among nations and societies.

The Cabinet also valued the kingdom's effective participation in the summit of the group of 20 and its pivotal role in boosting the world economy through its balanced oil policy and its management of its financial resources.

The Cabinet stressed the kingdom's intention to take all steps necessary to protect the stability of the national economy and its gains and to maintain the strength of national economic institutions in view of the international financial crisis and slowdown of growth of world economy.

The cabinet affirmed the role of the private sector and the media in providing accurate information on the situation of the market and reassuring citizens on their savings and investments and that they will not be mishandled.

The Minister of Culture and Information said then, the Cabinet reviewed the situation of shipping in the Red Sea and Arab Sea, the increase of piracy in these waters and what measures to take to prevent the continuation of piracy and eradicate it once and for all.

The Cabinet also reviewed the clear contradiction between the statements of the Israeli government's officials on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian cause and the siege and torture in Gaza practiced by Israeli occupation forces.

The Cabinet also emphasized the urgent need for the Palestinian leaders to realize the consequences of the continued Palestinian division and not responding to sincere Arab efforts to end that division.

The Minister of Culture and Information said the Cabinet followed with utmost care the arrival of pilgrims at the holy places and the services provided to them by government and non-government sectors.

In this context, the Cabinet listened to the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on exerting utmost efforts to put all capabilities at the service of pilgrims to enable them perform this great pillar comfortably and smoothly.

Then the Cabinet reviewed topics on its agenda and took the relevant decisions:

The Cabinet approved the joint minutes on land and sea borders between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar and the two maps signed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 5/7/2008.

The Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of museums between the General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the British Museum in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, signed in London on 1/11/2007.

The most prominent feature of the memorandum calls for cooperation in training competent Saudis in the field of museums and restoration of museum collections.

The Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of tourism between the General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the Republic of Turkey, signed in Riyadh on 5/3/2008.

The most prominent feature of the memorandum calls on the two parties to exchange information and expertise on tourism planning and investment, the development of tourism sites and projects, as well as their operation.

The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Foreign Affairs or his deputy to discuss and sign with the Zambian side a draft general agreement on cooperation between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of Zambia.

The Cabinet authorized the Ministry of Labor to take advantage of recommendation No. 198 issued by the General Conference of the International Labor Organization in its 95th session in Geneva in June 2006 which regulates the employment relationship between employer and employee.

The Cabinet approved the annual report of Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), its financial statements and the audit report for the fiscal year ending on 31/12/2007.

Having considered the recommendation of the Standing Committee of the Supreme Economic Council (No. 38 / 29) dated 27/5/1429H, the Cabinet decided to grant investors tax incentives in some parts of the Kingdom through a number of measures including:

-Granting projects to be established in areas of Hail, the Northern Borders, Jazan, Najran, Al-Baha and Al-Joaf tax discount amounting to 50% of the costs of the annual training of Saudis and another tax discount rate of 50% of annual wages paid to Saudis.

-The advantages shall be applied according as follows:

-The amount of capital invested in the project shall not be less than one million Saudi riyals.

The number of Saudis employed shall not be less than five and their jobs shall be major technical and administrative posts.

-The term of contracts signed with the employees and trainees shall not be less than one year.

-The tax incentives shall be applied for ten years effective from the date of the project enjoying the advantages of the tax discount, and this advantage shall be terminated at the end of that period.

The Cabinet approved the appointment of Abdulrahman bin Saleh bin Abdullatif Al-Abdulqader as Director of the Minister's office at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance (rank 14).

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has thanked the Chairman of the Board of the Council of Saudi Chambers Saleh Bin Ali Al-Turki in reply to what the Council's members expressed of the rapid and effective action undertaken by the government to fortify the national economy from the impact of the global financial crisis that hit the world economy, its support and encouragement given to the private sector.

“As we thank you and the members of the Council of Saudi Chambers for their expressed feelings, I emphasize the government's desire to do anything that will protect and support our national economy and its advancement in various fields. I Ask Allah Almighty to assist us in all that is good for our country," said the King in a reply cable.

Earlier this month, Chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers had sent a cable to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on behalf of all members of the board, general secretariat as well as Saudi businessmen, in which they expressed their appreciation to the wise leadership, especially the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince for the efforts to protect the national economy and support and give attention to the private sector.

The Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has thanked the Chairman of the Board of the Council of Saudi Chambers Saleh Bin Ali Al-Turki in reply to what they expressed of the rapid and effective action undertaken by the government to fortify the national economy from the impact of the global financial crisis that hit the world economy and its support and encouragement given to the private sector.

“We appreciate your efforts in this regards, including the Council's approval of the important mechanisms for dealing with the crisis and maintain the gains"

Earlier this month, Chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers had sent a cable to the Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on behalf of all members of the board, general secretariat as well as Saudi businessmen, in which they expressed their appreciation to the wise leadership, especially the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince for the efforts to protect the national economy and support and give attention to the private sector.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, lauded the outcome of his talks in London with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, noting the deep-rooted relations binding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

In a press statement during his visit to the Saudi Embassy in London, Prince Saud Al-Faisal said that Britain is a friendly country with a history of strong and firm relations with Saudi Arabia which witnessed significant progress following the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to the United Kingdom last year and the recent visit of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to Saudi Arabia.

Since those two state visits, cooperation between the two sides was making great strides at both the international platforms and through international organizations.

He said cooperation between the two countries has grown considerably both at the political, economic, and media, referring to the clear improvement in terms of media reports published in Britain newspapers in favor of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He praised the efforts being exerted by Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, adding that his efforts have significant impact in strengthening the cooperation between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for the staff members of the Saudi embassy in London for helping the ambassador to fulfill his duties.

He stressed that the Kingdom was following a clear political approach adhering with international law, not interfering in the affairs of others and not allowing interference in its internal affairs.

At the same time, the Kingdom ensures the promotion of cooperation with all countries in various fields to serve the interests of the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

On the abduction of the Saudi tanker in the Indian Ocean, Prince Saud Al-Faisal said "Our position is clear: the tanker should be released as kidnapping of a tanker at sea is an act of piracy and a capital criminal act considered unacceptable to the Kingdom which will do its best to help protect the region".

He stated that the international law protects navigation and that the countries of the region will start to secure it.

Upon his arrival at the embassy, he was received by the ambassador and his aides.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband held a luncheon in honor of Prince Saud Al-Faisal.

The luncheon party was attended by the Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Prince Saud Al-Faisal's accompanying delegation and a number of senior officials of the British Foreign Office.

King Harald V of Norway received in Oslo Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, Prince Saud conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, to King Harald V.

On his part, King Harald V sent his greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, appreciating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's initiative to call for dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg received in Oslo Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, Prince Saud conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, to the Prime Minister.

They also discussed ways of enhancing relations between the two friendly countries in addition to the peace process.

The Foreign Minister hailed the role of Norway in the peace process.

The two sides discussed coordination and consultation about oil policy under the current global financial crisis. They also discussed the importance of working together to take the required measures to ensure the stability of the global oil market.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, held in Oslo a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store.

During the meeting, they discussed ways of enhancing relations between the two countries. They also discussed the international economic crisis and cooperation between the two countries to stabilize the world oil market.

They also discussed peace process in the region and assistance provided to the Palestinians through the International Liaison Committee chaired by Norway.

Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, has reiterated the rejection of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to conducting negotiations with the pirates, and said marine piracy is an evil matter which should be eradicated like terrorism.

At a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Store, he said negotiations and payment of ransom will encourage the process of piracy and will never resolve the problem.

Asked about probable negotiations with the pirates, Prince Saud said that is not at the level of the government and that we don't know if the owners of the tanker are doing so but we don't encourage them to do so.

Prince emphasized that the Kingdom is ready to participate in an international marine force to confront the phenomenon of piracy.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian foreign minister said his country is also ready to participate in this force.

Arab countries should form a naval force to fight rampant piracy off Somalia's coast, the head of the Arab League told reporters.

"This force could work with other powers in the region to protect security," said Amr Mousa, referring to US and Nato ships that have been patrolling the increasingly dangerous waters near Somalia.

Mousa said there were existing agreements on military cooperation between Arab countries that would allow for a joint navy.

Representatives of Arab Red Sea states announced after an emergency meeting on piracy in Cairo they would appoint military commissions to make recommendations on how to counter the scourge.

Mousa's call came as the leader of Somali pirates holding a huge Saudi oil supertanker denied that the hijackers had lowered their ransom demand, insisting they still wanted $25 million for the ship's release.

"If we want to change it, it will have to be agreed unanimously with all," Mohammad Said said.

NATO is considering extending its anti-piracy operation off Somalia beyond next month, alliance spokesman James Appathurai told reporters in Brussels.

Four ships from Britain, Greece, Italy and Turkey form a NATO patrol in the waters, with two protecting UN food aid convoys to the strife-torn Horn of Africa country.

NATO's operation ends in mid-December when a bigger European Union mission is set to take over but NATO is considering "complementary" action to the EU mission, Appathurai said.

The European Union started gathering "Operation Atlanta" off the coast of Somalia last week.

The International Maritime Bureau has reported that 90 vessels have been attacked since January, Of those, 38 were hijacked while pirates still hold 16 vessels with more than 250 crew as hostages.

NATO is committed to helping improve security in Africa but expects African states to take the lead in fighting piracy off the continent’s shores, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said.

De Hoop Scheffer was responding to a call by Ghana’s defense minister for closer collaboration between African regional bodies and NATO to combat piracy off Africa’s coasts and tackle other security problems such as money laundering.

The NATO chief spoke during an international alert over piracy off the Horn of Africa, where Somali pirates have caused havoc in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes connecting Europe to Asia and the Middle East.

“This continent still has many problems, but it is my strong conviction that Africans should be in the lead to find solutions for those problems, and not others,” de Hoop Scheffer said after arriving in Ghana.

He did not mention the Somali piracy threat.

“I do think that NATO could do a lot in being instrumental, for instance, by intensifying training for the African Union standby force to enrich their experience, which could then be used to reach out appropriately where it is needed to solve Africa’s problems,” he said.

Ghanaian Defense Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah called for closer collaboration between the African Union and sub-regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States in particular to fight a rise in piracy off West Africa.

Armed groups there have become more daring in their seaborne raids, especially off Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta. Militants from Cameroon’s nearby Bakassi peninsula freed 10 mostly French hostages last week after holding them for nearly two weeks.

Off east Africa, Somali pirates seized a supertanker carrying US$100 million worth of oil in the biggest ship hijacking in history.

“We need to act in concert to face these challenges by working closely to share intelligence and information on how best to turn the insecurity situation around,” Kan-Dapaah said, adding that no single country could tackle the problem alone.

“We need to search for global solutions to global concerns and we must develop reliable consultations and set up mechanisms to fight the security challenges we face today,” he said.

NATO is due to hand over its role in the effort to the European Union in December, NATO spokesman James Appathurai said in Accra

The ninth session of the Saudi-Turkish joint commission held in Ankara ended its deliberations.

The Saudi delegation to the meeting was led by Dr Jubara al-Sireisiri, the Minister of Transport.

Speaking on the occasion, Turkish finance minister Kamal Onakitan said the joint commission is concerned with boosting trade exchange between the Kingdom and Turkey.

He noted that the views of the two countries were identical as regards removing the obstacles that might impede developing of bilateral relations in all domains.

It is high time for implementing great projects in the light of the existing reciprocal confidence in the field of joint investments in the two countries, he said.

On his part, Dr Al-Sireisiri underlined the importance of exchange of visits by the officials of the two countries for activating the agreements signed by them and finalizing the agreements which are under study.

He reiterated the keenness of the two countries on further cementing the bilateral relations.

Later the two sides listened to a lecture on the available investment opportunities in Turkey.

The final session was attended by Saudi ambassador to Turkey Mohammed bin Raja al-Husseini and a number of officials and businessmen from Turkey.

Turkish Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan said that Turkey has set up a five-year objective to increase its trade volume with Saudi Arabia to $15 billion, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.

“The trade volume between the two countries was around $4.6 billion in the first nine months of 2008, with a 69 percent rise over the same period of 2007,” Unakitan was quoted assaying during a meeting of a joint economic committee between Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Unakitan said the year-end bilateral trade volume would be around $5 billion and expressed determination to raise the figure to $15 billion in five years.

“It is important to boost cooperation and increase trade between our two countries,” he said, adding that the trade volume could be raised by mutual investments, and Turkey welcomes Saudi companies to invest in Turkey.

“The opening the Istanbul-Makkah railway in the near future would definitely improve trade relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister hoped a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council consisting of six Gulf Arab countries should be signed as soon as possible, and that an agreement on trade of goods should also be concluded.