March 17, 2006

PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC ADDRESSES THE SAUDI SHOURA COUNCIL. KING ABDULLAH IBN ABDUL AZIZ IS WORKING, WITH WISDOM AND EXPERIENCE, TO PROVIDE HIS COUNTRY WITH THE MEANS TO MEET THE CHALLENGES EXPECTED IN THE COMING DECADES. THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA AND FRANCE HAVE DISTINGUISHED AND STRONG RELATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN ENHANCED OVER THE YEARS. PEACE IN THIS REGION IS WITHIN OUR GRASP AND THE POSITION OF OUR TWO COUNTRIES ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE REQUIRES US TO SHOULDER OUR RESPONSIBILITIES. French President Jacques Chirac and the accompanying delegation visited the Saudi Shoura (Consultative) Council. He was welcomed by Chairman of the Shoura Dr Saleh Bin Humeid. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bin Humeid expressed appreciation for the visit of Chirac to the Shoura Council, and said it embodies his respect for the Shoura and its role in decision-making in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr Bin Humeid pointed out that the Shoura Council has been effectively participating in the development process through enacting series of systems and engaging in surveillance of the performance of the governmental organs. He highlighted the role of the Shoura Council in fighting dangerous phenomena like extremism and terrorism. Dr Bin Humeid said terrorism has never affected the Kingdom's political and economic stability. In his speech, French President Jacques Chirac said that on this occasion he will address in his own name and the French people a message of friendship to the Saudi people represented by the Shoura Council. President Chirac stressed that the warm welcome by Saudi senior officials and citizens is not only accorded to him but to France which has distinguished and strong relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which have been enhanced over the years. He noted that the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, then Crown Prince, to France last April laid stress on the continuation of friendship and firm strategic partnership concluded with late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz (Mercy be upon his soul) in 1996. The policy of renewal pursued by King Abdullah has created a remarkable climate of confidence in the Kingdom, the French president said and noted that all the region is suffering from dangerous factors threatening its stability, a matter necessitating to deepen consultation and cooperation between our two countries. President Chirac indicated that his talks held with the King last night focused on the situations in the region, emphasizing that their viewpoints are very close. Responding to the invitation of King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to visit the Kingdom, I want to express my country's support for the way which the King has set for his country, the French president said and noted that the King has known how to strengthen the climate of confidence in the Kingdom supported by an ambitious program of general investment and the dynamics of the private sector. President Chirac added that the Monarch has bravely and successfully pursued his steps in national mobilization to confront the threat of terrorism and called for international commitment to fighting it. He expressed his country's solidarity with the Kingdom in combating this scourge. French President Jacques Chirac met with Chairman of the Shoura Council Dr. Saleh Bin Humeid. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed ways of boosting Saudi-French bilateral relations in all fields. The meeting was attended by a number of the council's officials and other Saudi officials as well as the accompanying delegation of Chirac. Following is the speech by Mr. Jacques Chirac, President of the French Republic, before the Consultative Council. Chairman, Members of the Consultative Council, I thank you for your warm welcome. I am aware of the honour you have bestowed on me by allowing me to speak before your assembly and to convey, on my behalf and on behalf of the French people, a message of friendship to the Saudi people, whose diversity is reflected in this assembly. Because friendship is indeed an accurate description of the relationship between our two countries. I have myself borne witness to this on many occasions since my arrival, when received by His Majesty King Abdallah, by high officials of the Kingdom, and when speaking with all your countrymen whom I have had the pleasure to meet. I know that they address not only me, but also France, a country with which Saudi Arabia has maintained an exceptionally strong and trusting relationship that has constantly strengthened over the years. We all remember the historic visit in 1967 by King Faisal on the invitation of Général de Gaulle. This was the first page in the modern history of our relations. However, many people are unaware that, as early as 1841, France opened a consulate in Jeddah, which was transformed into an embassy when the Kingdom was created in 1932. Due to this early presence, constant political dialogue and close co-operation in the fields of economics, culture and defence, France has stood beside Saudi Arabia throughout the various stages in its history. By visiting Paris last April, on my invitation, His Majesty King Abdallah, who was Heir Apparent Crown Prince at the time, wished to underline the permanence of this friendship and the solidity of the strategic partnership that I had sealed in 1996 with his predecessor, the late lamented King Fahd. My visit today is inspired by this same spirit of partnership, in a very particular context. The policy of renewal undertaken by the King has encouraged a remarkable climate of confidence in the Kingdom, but the entire region is affected by serious factors of instability. These are so many additional reasons to deepen the discussions and co-operation between our two countries. Chairman, Members of the Consultative Council, The regional situation was the focus of the meetings I had yesterday with His Majesty. These discussions confirmed that we have very similar viewpoints, as I note at each of our meetings, as well as during our frequent telephone conversations. Although this means we sadly often share the same concerns, it also invites us to combine our efforts to face challenges. Indeed, we are both convinced that confrontation is not inevitable, that peace in this region is within our grasp. The position of our two countries on the international stage requires us to shoulder our responsibilities to ease tensions in the Middle East, where stability is vital for our planet. In Iraq, blind violence is raging once again. Despite elections that encouraged hope, the conditions for a return to stability, which the immense majority of the Iraqi people desire, have not yet been achieved. It is vital for Iraq to rapidly establish solid institutions, capable of resisting the centrifugal forces that threaten the country's unity, institutions in which all components of the population will find their rightful place. All the countries in the region should help in this, alongside the international community. In Iran, the voice of reason that France, the United Kingdom and Germany hoped would be heard concerning the nuclear issue has not, for the moment, been listened to. And yet, assurance has been given to Iran that it can develop its nuclear capability for civilian purposes, within the framework of its international commitments and respect for the non-proliferation rules. The door remains open and Iran can at any moment take advantage of this by returning to its commitments to suspend sensitive activities. In Lebanon, an entire people is waiting for the International Independent Investigation Commission in charge of the investigation into the assassination of Mr. Rafik Hariri to establish responsibility to enable the guilty to be punished. Indeed, truth and justice are indispensable in order to re-establish, in this wounded country, the necessary trust to build a future that guarantees its independence, unity and sovereignty. Syria, which has its rightful place in the region, and whose security concerns are legitimate, must take into account this aspiration, as well as developments in the Near East and worldwide. It must change its behaviour, in particular concerning its relations with Lebanon, and co-operate fully with the Commission. For our part, we must remain united and determined to obtain the full implementation of the Security Council resolutions, put an end to interference, and ensure the success of the international aid conference that Lebanon is counting on. The results of the latest Palestinian elections, whose democratic character we salute, have created a new situation. The majority that won the vote has to understand that only recognising Israel, relinquishing violence and honouring international commitments will suffice to remove legitimate prejudices. The new government must be aware that only negotiation founded on international law will enable it to fulfil the aspirations of its people and build the State the Palestinians aspire to. This is the only way to join the consensus achieved, within the Arab world, around the initiative of Heir Apparent Crown Prince Abdallah, in Beirut in 2002. In the face of this worrying regional situation, we must, both Saudis and French, intensify our discussions and efforts to encourage the international community to shoulder its responsibilities, in particular regarding world stability. I am referring, in particular, to the fight against extreme poverty, which requires urgent mobilisation of new innovative financing mechanisms. What is at stake is not only the stability of a given country, but the equilibrium of the entire globe. The crises in the Near and Middle East feed tension and resentments, fire passions, and give free rein to all those who proclaim ideologies of violence and confrontation. Saudi Arabia and France reject the idea of a world abandoned to the brutality of rivalries and power struggles. We believe that our efforts should constantly be inspired by respect for international law and the legitimate aspirations of all, dialogue and negotiation in a spirit of solidarity. From this similarity of viewpoints and convergence of actions, I also retain the feeling that we have a duty. While the regional context remains struck by such uncertainties and the Kingdom is courageously acting to assert is moderating role in the face of threats, France has to show its willingness to commit further to contribute to the security of your country. Chairman, Members of the Consultative Council, By accepting the invitation from His Majesty King Abdallah, guardian of the two sacred mosques, I also wanted to express France's support for the direction in which he is leading his country. Despite a troubled regional climate, he has created a climate of confidence in the Kingdom, which, supported by an ambitious programme of public investment and by the dynamism of the private sector, is leading Saudi Arabia down a promising path, a path that the entire international community is delighted to see the country taking. King Abdallah is working, with wisdom and experience, to provide his country with the means to meet the challenges expected in the coming decades, due to regional uncertainties and changes that will affect the entire world. Regarding internal affairs, his government is working closely with the opinions and proposals provided by this assembly, whose representativeness has increased, and whose prerogatives have been consolidated. I am also aware that the quality of your debates, which take place in accordance with the major themes of "national dialogue" launched in 2003, is contributing to winning the trust of the Saudi population for the movement underway. Developments such as the introduction of elections to renew municipal councils, in a spirit of democracy, and the arrival of women in the governing bodies of Chambers of Commerce have been warmly received in France and worldwide. The performance of the Kingdom's economy and the promise that its diversification brings, at a time when it has just joined the WTO, are attracting the attention of investors worldwide. The prospect of a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union, supported by France, should also stimulate mutual trade. To strengthen the foundations of his policy of renewal and growth, the King has pursued, courageously and successfully, as we have seen, national mobilisation against the terrorist threat, against which he called for an international commitment. France stands alongside the Kingdom in its fight against this plague, from which no country is immune. We will win this battle by uniting our efforts and conducting it in accordance with the law and our values. France has observed with interest the momentum that His Majesty has given to his country in all areas and appreciates the promising results, and thus is determined to support these efforts. France is already doing so usefully through ambitious co-operation in the field of scientific and technological training in order to help the Kingdom make progress in its "Saudisation policy", which will enable its numerous young people to take up their rightful place in tomorrow's Saudi Arabia. Chairman, Members of the Consultative Council, Before taking leave of your assembly, I would like to assure you that France wishes to develop its partnership with your great country while respecting the identity, culture and beliefs of all. With globalisation, everyone knows everything immediately, everywhere. We are no longer isolated, each in his own country. We share the same space and our destinies have become intricately linked. This new reality, deeply foreign to our peoples' age-old experience, must lead us to redouble our attentiveness and our efforts to preserve peace. More than ever, we must assert the universal values that are the foundation of our common existence. We must respect the diversity of peoples, beliefs and cultures, and set store by the values of tolerance. We must cultivate all opportunities for dialogue in order to avoid misunderstandings. This is the true meaning of the presence of His Majesty King Abdallah in Paris, last April, to inaugurate the Department of Islamic Arts at the Louvre Museum. The same is true for the exhibition organised by the National Museum of Riyadh and the Louvre Museum that His Majesty and myself are to inaugurate this afternoon. Saudi Arabia and France also draw their strength from identities forged by history and culture, and can unite their efforts to thwart those who, by fanning the flames of fanaticism, provoke a sorry "clash of ignorances" termed "clash of civilisations", whereas we share values that we must work together to cultivate and nurture. Thank you. French President Jacques Chirac created history when he addressed the Saudi Shoura Council in Riyadh. President Chirac, who arrived on his first visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz became monarch last August, was the first foreign dignitary ever to address the Shoura Council. By selecting President Chirac to be the first foreign leader in history to address the Shoura Council, Saudi Arabia has shown great regard not only for the president but also for its deep-rooted relations with France, Elysse Palace spokesman Gerom Ponavom told The Saudi Gazette by telephone. Shoura Council member Dr. Sadaqa Sadel said that a qualitative change will be brought about in the Shoura Council process by allowing foreign dignitaries to address the council. Ponavom said that Chirac's three-day visit was primarily to discuss with King Abdullah the strengthening of the strategic Saudi-French partnership. There are a lot of changes and developments taking place in the region, which necessitate intensive talks between the two leaders, Ponavom said. President Chirac's high-level delegation included ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Foreign Trade and 20 directors of leading French multinational Companies. On the other hand Prince Khaled Ibn Sultan, French Defense Minister, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation for military affairs, received the French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie and the accompanying delegation. They reviewed issues of mutual interest including a number of regional and international issues as well as aspects of military cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France. The meeting was attended by General Saleh Al-Mohayya, the Chief of the General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, and a number of other high-ranking military officials. Minister of Petroleum and Mineral resources Eng Ali Al-Naimi received in Riyadh French minister of Finance and Industry Thierry Breton. They reviewed the current situation in the international oil market and aspects of bolstering cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France in spheres of petroleum and mining. The meeting was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Assistant Minister of Petroleum and Mineral resources for petroleum affairs, and other senior officials. On the French side, the meeting was attended by the minister's accompanying delegation. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, met with French Foreign Minister Douste Blazy. The meeting discussed bilateral relations as well as overall situations at the regional and international arenas . The meeting was attended by officials on the two sides. The French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste Blazy also paid a visit to the King Faisal Speicialised Hospital.