Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques discusses with Turkish president Palestinian developments, regional situation

Turkish president stresses in his speech at Shoura Council the importance of King Abdullah's role at regional, int’l levels

Prince Saud Al-Faisal discusses with Turkish president Palestinian, regional issues

Prince Khalid bin Sultan discusses with Turkish Defense Minister ways to bolster cooperation between two countries

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz discussed with the Turkish president the overall developments in the region, especially the Palestinian cause, Israeli aggression on Gaza strip and its heavy human and material losses, the need to intensify the international efforts to stop the Israeli assaults against the Palestinian people and the efforts of the two countries to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the region based on the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab peace initiative.

Held at the palace of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques here this evening, the discussions between the King and the Turkish president also dealt with the Arab and Islamic efforts to achieve the Palestinian unity and underscored the importance of implementing this goal.

The two leaders also discussed the overall developments at international arena, prospects of cooperation between the two countries and ways to boost them in various fields to serve the interests of both countries and their peoples.

On the Saudi side, the meeting was attended by Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Mit'eb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Abdul-Ilah bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the King; Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Interior; Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence; and senior protocol officials.

On the Turkish side, it was attended by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Kursad Tuzmen; Minister of National Defense Mehmet Vecdi Gonul; Minister of Transport Binali Yildirim and senior protocol officials.

In the presence of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and visiting President of the Turkish Republic Abdullah Gul, two cooperation agreements were signed in Riyadh tonight between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, General President of Youth Welfare, and Turkish minister of State for Foreign Trade Kursad Tuzmen co-singed an agreement on cooperation in the field of youth and sports. Following that, Dr. Jubarah bin Eid Al-Sireisiri, Saudi Minister of Transport, and Turkish Minister of Transport Bin Ali Yildirim co-signed a cooperation agreement in the field of maritime transport.

The signing ceremonies were also attended by Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Mit'eb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Abdul-Ilah bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the King; Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Interior; Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence; and senior protocol officials. President Gul's official accompanying delegation also attended the events.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul arrived on a four-day official visit to the Kingdom.

At Riyadh Air Base, he was received by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who welcomed the President and his wife.

The President was also received by Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf Al Miqren, Mayor of Riyadh Region; Abdullah bin Ahmed Zainal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, the Accompanying Minister; Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Tubaishi, Chief of Royal Protocol; Dr. Mohammed bin Raja Al-Husseini, Saudi Ambassador to Turkey; and Nci Koru, Turkish Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The President shook hands with Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Miteb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Abdul-Ellah bin Abdulaziz, Adviser to the King; Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence; 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 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; and a number of ministers, senior civil and military officials and members of the Turkish Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques shook hands with the members of the official delegation accompanying the Turkish President.

The official delegation accompanying the Turkish President include Minister of State Kursad Tuzmen, Minister of National Defense Mehmet Vecdi Gonul, Minister of Transportation Binali Yildirim and a number of senior officials.

Saudi newspapers editorially commented on the official visit of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and said a large number of people think that the return of Turkey to the Arab and Islamic fold reflects its despair from joining the European Union, or it may be an endeavor to create a parallel leadership with Iran.

The papers pointed out that what happened in Davos was an introduction to addressing the Islamic thinking through an independent Turkish decision without any influence from any power inside or outside the region.

"Moreover, Turkey is an influential country in its European and Asian domains and it is an ally of the US and a friend of Israel."

"Turkey is an important country and it has a growing economy and a great industrial, commercial and tourism base in addition to human resources which constitute the most important human resources outside Europe and the developed Asian countries."

The papers said the visit of the Turkish President will be concerned with the economic, security and cultural issues in addition to the situation in the region.

The papers believe that the Kingdom plays a pioneering role during crisis and even during the normal circumstances.

Al-Riyadh newspaper, commenting on the visit of President Gul to the Kingdom, said Turkey has a deep-rooted history with the Arab world, and currently, it is opting for a moderate policy.

"The democratic Turkey working to join the club of the developed countries, can become a useful partner of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," it added. On the other hand, the Abha-based Al-Watan said it will not be a strange matter if a great attention is given to the visit of President Gul to the Kingdom, adding that the Arab and Muslim nations realize the importance of cementing Saudi-Turkish relations.

The paper noted that the historical visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to Turkey in 2006 has positively contributed to establishing a clear and strong policy and enhancing bilateral relations.

The two countries have been adopting a tolerant understanding of Islam and they believe in the importance of fighting violence and terrorism in all of their forms.

The inalienable stand of the two countries in this respect has earned them the respect of the international community and projected a good image for Islam after being defamed by certain regimes and organizations.

The daily pointed out that Turkey supports the Arab peace initiative, and said due to the current regional and international situation; a great importance is attached to the visit.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul visited the Shoura (consultative) Council where he was welcomed by Dr Salih bin Humeid, the Council's Chairman. Welcoming President Gul, Dr. Bin Humeid said the Shoura Council is accustomed to host a number of leaders of countries, adding that their speeches at the Shoura Council have had a positive impact on cementing the relations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with their countries.

Dr Bin Humeid underlined the importance of the visit of the Turkish President to the Kingdom and said special relations exist between the Kingdom and Turkey either at the bilateral or regional and Islamic arenas. The Saudi-Turkish diplomatic relations dates back to 1929, following the signing of the friendship and cooperation agreement between the two countries, he said.

He drew attention to the joint history that links the two countries and said Islam has linked the two countries with the strongest and the most fruitful relations.

He called for developing bilateral relations, taking into account the requirements of the contemporary time.

Dr. Bin Humeid noted that the significant role played by the visits of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to Turkey in 2006 and 2007, adding that the current visit of President Gul to the Kingdom will be more fruitful as regards cementing fraternal relations between the two countries.

If the Kingdom has earned an importance due to its religious status and its political and economic weight, and also due its policy which is based on reason and objectiveness as well as on justice and righteousness, Turkey has earned similar importance due to its strong international relations and its balanced policy, he said, adding that it will enable the two countries to play a distinguished role in the region.

In the economic sphere, Dr bin Humeid explained that since the signing of the trade, economic, cultural cooperation agreements between Turkey and Saudi Arabia in 1393 H corresponding to 1973 AD , the economic relations had shown constant growth until the volume of bilateral trade exchange in 1427H/ 2007AD was more than $5,000 Million.

Sheikh Bin Humeid also said the two governments announced the firm intention to bring about more closer economic ties, and signed a series of bilateral agreements constituting an appropriate legal framework for these relations and that the two governments are determined to eliminate any obstacles to cooperation. "Moreover, wide area is now open for business in the two countries and opportunities for them to establish more joint projects and to invest more money, which will be reflected directly on the prosperity of the two countries".

He drew attention to the recent increase in cultural activities between the two countries, with the organization of the Saudi cultural days in the city of Istanbul and Ankara, which was a major demand from Turkish citizens. He also noted the Turkish response to participate as a guest in the Festival of Culture and Heritage Al-Jenadreyah in February 2008.

At the level of inter-parliamentary action, Dr Bin Humeid said that mutual visits and meetings between officials of the Shoura Council and the Turkish National Assembly are under way in all seriousness in order to take advantage of both bodies.

He pointed to the visit of speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly Ksal Toptan to the Shoura Council the last year and said it has deepened the intimate ties between the two legislative bodies.

Then, President Gul delivered a speech in which he expressed his happiness for visiting the Kingdom, thanking the King and Saudi people for their kind hospitality.

Addressing the Council, President Gul said, "When I visit the Kingdom, I consider myself in my second country. Saudi Arabia and Turkey enjoy extraordinary historical, religious, social and cultural relations both on the official and unofficial levels. In this, we take so much pride".

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening and developing bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey which enjoy the attention of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, noting the two visits made by the King to Turkey in 2006 and 2007. "The visits", President Gul added, "have led to the turning of a new chapter in the history of our two countries".

He also hailed the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz as wise and sophisticated.

President Gul also said that, "Turkey and Saudi Arabia as important Middle Eastern countries seek to establish stability and security in the region.

Therefore, we pay a lot of attention to the regional and international issues. Our visions are identical when it comes to the issues in the region. We are also in constant consultation regarding these issues with the aim of providing lasting security and stability as well as sustainable peace in the region for the benefit of its people".

He also expressed his appreciation for the initiatives adopted by the Kingdom, saying that "The Kingdom, through such initiatives, endeavors to establish security and stability assisted with its constructive efforts and wise foreign policy as is obvious in its endeavors to solve the region's issues". President Gul praised the sincere efforts made by the King to bring peace and security to the region, pointing out his sponsorship of the Palestinian reconciliation conference in Makkah which aimed at unifying the Palestinian front.

In this regard, President Gul said, "If the promises made at that sacred shrine were kept, the Palestinian cause would have been in a stronger position now and we would have not seen the recent tragic scenes".

He expressed the hope "that the Palestinian unity will be achieved". He stressed that the Turkish vision is to unify the Palestinian people as well as Arab and Muslim people to work towards what's best for the whole region.

In his speech, President Gul also addressed the terrorism issue, stressing the need to differentiate between Islam and terrorism, saying "Our religion is a religion of tolerance, peace and love for all people. Our religion is that of love and brotherhood. Islam has nothing to do with terrorism. Islam rejects terrorism and those who follow such deviant ways are almost in every society. Consequently, terrorism must not be linked to Islam and the reputation of our countries. Such statements preach the fear of Islam and help spread misconceptions all over the world. Therefore, we must cooperate in combating terrorism and such reasoning".

He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts being made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to combat terrorism as well as his universal call for promoting peace and dialog among followers of world religions, cultures and civilizations which saw light at the Madrid Conference.

President Gul also talked about the relations between the two countries in a number of areas such as the increasing number of Saudi tourists in Turkey as well as Turkish expatriate workers in the Kingdom.

Addressing this subject, President Gul said, "The growing mutual interests and the capabilities available in both countries are recognized, therefore, exchanging visits at the official level and between members of parliaments is a very crucial contribution to the development of such relations".

President Abdullah Gul, President of the Republic of Turkey, paid a visit to King Saud University (KSU).

President Gul was received by Minister of Higher Education Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Ankari, KSU Director Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al Othman, university undersecretaries, deans, and faculty members

Dr. Al Ankari welcomed President Gul and the accompanying delegation.

Dr. Al Ankari hailed the visit as important and historic.

Minister of Higher Education highlighted the attention given by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to higher education institutions and the development of creative research in such institutions as well as his sponsorship of a scholarship program on which students are sent to renowned universities across the world.

Dr. Ankari also stressed the Kingdom's keenness of expanding higher education in the Kingdom so that it can be available for interested students in all regions, emphasizing the Kingdom's determination to create a high quality and advanced high education.

Dr. Ankari also pointed out the cooperation between the two countries at the academic level.

Then, President Gul delivered a speech in which he described KSU as famous and well-known.

In his speech, President Gul said, “We are fully aware of the efforts being made by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the attention given to higher education as well as the allocation of large budgets for the development and modernization of education. This is a crucial investment and investing in education is an investment for the future".

He also added that, "If we want a bright future for our country then we must invest in education. We look with admiration for what the Kingdom is doing in this area".

President Gul added that, "We, in Turkey, are also concerned with higher education and the development of technology. We don't want to be only carriers of technology but also to develop it".

President Gul commended the cooperation between Saudi and Turkish universities.

KSU director Dr. Al Othman welcomed President Gul, saying, "This is a historic day for us here at KSU. We are honored to have you here". Then, agreements between KSU and a number of Turkish research centers and universities were signed.

The agreements' signing was attended by Minister of Higher Education, Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah Ahmed Zaynal, KSU Director Dr. Abdullah Al Othman and a number of officials.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul received Prince Miteb bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and President of the Commission of the Development of Makkah, Madinah and the Holy Places.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation between the two countries. Turkish President Abdullah Gul received at his residence at Dhiyafa Palace Prince Saud Al Faisal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, relations between the two countries, the Palestinian cause as well as the region's current issues were discussed.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul received Minister of Finance and National Economy Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf.

During the meeting, they discussed ways of enhancing economic relations between the two brotherly countries. The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul received Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology Mohammad Mulla.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation between the two countries in the field of telecommunications and information technology.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul visited King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

Upon his arrival, the President was received by KACST President Dr. Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel and a number of officials.

Dr. Suwaiyel briefed the Turkish President on KACST objectives and tasks.

President Gul visited the National Center for Nano Technology. He also toured KACST facilities.

Prince Khalid bin sultan bin Abdulaziz. Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation for military affairs hosted an official reception here for Turkish Minister of Defense Vecdi Gonul and his accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues of mutual interest and ways of enhancing cooperation.

Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Assistant Defense and Aviation Minister for Military Affairs, received the designate ambassador of Greece to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dimitrios Letsios.

During the meeting, they reviewed issues of mutual interest.