|
|
April 14, 2006 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|||||
SAUDI AND SPANISH FIRMS TO SET UP A $ 5 BILLION JOINT INVESTMENT FUND. FRUITFUL MEETINGS BETWEEN THE KING OF SPAIN AND THE SAUDI LEADERSHIP AND A ROYAL VISIT TO THE SAUDI SHOURA COUNCIL. THE WIFE OF THE SAUDI AMBASSADOR TO SPAIN HOLDS A DINNER IN HONOUR OF QUEEN SOFIA WHO PAYS A VISIT PRINCE SULTAN HUMANITARIAN CITY. King Juan Carols of Spain and his accompanying delegation left Riyadh after a three-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The King was seen off at the airport of Riyadh Airbase by Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh region, Prince Saud al-Faisal, the foreign minister, and a number of princes and senior officials as well as Spanish ambassador to the Kingdom Manuel Alabart. The King of Spain Juan Carlos arrived in Riyahd on a three-day official visit to the Kingdom. At Riyadh airbase, the King of Spain and his accompanying delegation were received by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz: Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation And Inspector General: Prince Miteb Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs: Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior: Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh region: Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister: a number of princes: ministers and officials. The Spanish King was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos: Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Jose Montilla and a number of officials. The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz held a meeting at his palace with Spain's King Juan Carlos. During the meeting, they discussed the overall developments at the regional and international arenas. Aspects of cooperation between the two countries and ways of their enhancement in all fields were also reviewed. On the Saudi side, the audience was attended by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General: Prince Miteb Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs: Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior: Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh region: Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister: a number of princes: ministers and officials. On the Spanish side, it was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos: Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Jose Montilla and a number of officials. In the presence of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Spain's King Juan Carlos , a memorandum of understanding was signed at King Abdullah's palace on political bilateral consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries. On the Saudi side, it was signed by Prince Saud Al-Faisal and on the Spanish side by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos. An agreement was also signed on promotion and protection of investment between the two countries. It was signed by the Governor of Saudi General Investment Authority Amr Al-Dabbagh and Spanish Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Jose Montilla. Then the signed copies were exchanged. The signing ceremony was attended by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General: Prince Miteb Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs: Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior: Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh region: Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister: a number of princes: ministers and officials as well as the delegation accompanying the Spanish King. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud held at his palace a dinner party in honor of Spain's King Juan Carlos and his accompanying delegation. The party was attended by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General: Prince Fahd Ibn Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz: Prince Miteb Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs: Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior: Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the governor of Riyadh region: a number of princes: ministers and senior officials. King Juan Carlos of Spain received Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. The meeting was attended by Saudi ambassador to Spain Prince Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Dr. Saud Ibn Saeed Al-Muthami, Minister of State and Cabinet's Member for Shoura Council Affairs and Major General Saud Ibn Salih Al-Dawood, Director General of Studies and Researches. On the Spanish side, it was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Jose Montilla, and Spanish ambassador to the Kingdom Manuel Alabart. Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region held a dinner party in honor of Spain's King Juan Carlos and the accompanying delegation. The party was attended by Prince Sattam Ibn Abdul Aziz, Vice Governor of Riyadh Region; a number of princes; Ulema; ministers; members of Shoura Council and senior officials. Spain's King Juan Carlos received Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. The meeting was attended by Prince Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Saudi Ambassador to Spain and Dr. Saud Ibn Saeed Al-Muthami, Minister of State and Cabinet's Member for the Shoura Council Affairs. On the Spanish side, it was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos and Spanish Ambassador to the Kingdom Manuel Alabart. King Juan Carlos received Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. The meeting was attended by Prince Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Saudi Ambassador to Spain and Dr. Saud Ibn Saeed Al-Muthami, Minister of State and Cabinet's Member for the Shoura Council Affairs. On the Spanish side, it was attended by Ambassador to the Kingdom Manuel Alabart. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister received the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos who is accompanying King Juan Carlos of Spain on a visit to the Kingdom. During the meeting, bilateral relations and ways of their enhancement were discussed. Also they exchanged opinions on the regional and international issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and the delegation accompanying the Spanish minister. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister welcomed, on behalf of the Kingdom's leadership and people, King Juan Carlos of Spain and the accompanying delegation currently visiting the Kingdom, stressing that the visit will enhance historical relations in all fields. In a speech at the outset of a joint press conference held with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos, Prince Saud noted the great efforts exerted by Moratinos to advance a peace process in the Middle East while assuming his mission as a European envoy and his continual efforts as Spain's foreign minister. Prince Saud pointed out that relations between the two countries emanated from a joint ground, pointing to Madrid Middle East Peace Conference and Arab Peace Initiative based on a complete withdrawal for a comprehensive peace which stemmed from Riyadh. He stressed that this position reflects our strong belief in the importance of peace as a strategic option for the solution to the Middle East problem and the achievement of its security and stability based on the international legitimacy and its principles, decisions and agreements. The discussion also dealt with the situation in Iraq, the sensitivity of its current stage, the danger of its instability to its security and unity and the importance of supporting the efforts aiming at maintaining Iraq's stability and unity of all its classes and sects, Prince Saud said. In this regard, the Kingdom will participate in the ministerial meeting of Iraq's neighbouring countries due to be held in Cairo, hoping the meeting would contribute to advancing these efforts. On terrorism, he said that both countries have been exerting great efforts in combating this scourge at the local and international arenas, commending Spain's active contribution to Riyadh-based International Counter-terrorism Conference which strengthened international cooperation in combating terrorism and adopted the Kingdom's proposal for the setting up of International Counter-terrorism Center. Prince Saud noted that an agreement on protection of investment and avoidance of dual taxation will be signed soon. In his speech, the Spanish minister of foreign affairs and cooperation emphasized the strength of relations between the two countries and at the personal levels of the two royal families. He affirmed his country's support for the Kingdom's proposal to set up an International Counter-terrorism Center. Moratinos indicated that economic agreements will be signed during Prince Saud Al-Faisal's visit to Spain next May. The presence of bilateral fund with an amount of nearly $ 5 billion displays Spain's confidence in investment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Then they replied to reporters' questions. Responding to a question on the fund, Prince Saud said it will be formed by businessmen from companies that will put this investment amount. If it is accomplished, there will be joint programs between the private sectors in the two countries. On the civil war in Iraq, he said we hope to exert efforts in the Arab League to gather the Iraqi parties to stop this war which will only cause disasters for Iraq, its people and the region. As for the Kingdom's initiative to put an end to events in Iraq, he said that the initiative is an Arab one which came to halt the war, adding that it should come from the Iraqis themselves. Nobody can stop fighting except the Iraqis themselves, he said and added if the parties meet, they will find out that understanding is better than fighting. With regard to the pullout of foreign troops from Iraq, Prince Saud said it will be decided by the Iraqi government, stressing that the decision first and last will be in the hands of the Iraqi government. In reply to a question on the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq, the Spanish minister said the world community should respect his country's viewpoint in this regard. Replying to another question, he said,'' We will halt support for Hamas government, but we will continue support for the legitimate Palestinian Authority. King Juan Carlos of Spain visited the Shoura (Consultative) Council within the framework of his current visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On arrival at the council's headquarters, King Carlos was welcomed by Shoura Council's Chairman Dr Saleh Bin Humaid and a number of other senior officials. At a meeting with Dr Bin Humaid, the Spanish Monarch reviewed issues of mutual interest including means of enhancing bilateral relations in various spheres notably in the parliamentary domain. The meeting was attended by Prince Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Saudi Ambassador to Spain, a number of other officials and members of the Shoura Council. In a press statement following the meeting, Dr Bin Humaid said he had reviewed with the Spanish King issues pertaining to the existing Saudi-Spanish relations. Dr Bin Humaid briefed the Spanish Monarch on the activities and achievements of the Shoura Council. Dr Bin Humaid pointed out that the Shoura Council has membership in several regional and international federations. He welcomed also The Chinese President Hu Jintao who will soon visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and said the Chinese President will deliver a speech at the Shoura Council. On his forthcoming visit to Turkey, Dr Bin Humeid said it will be a working visit, and means of enhancing parliamentary works will be discussed. Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) held an event to honor visiting King Juan Carlos of Spain and the accompanying delegation. The event was attended by a number of princes, ministers and businessmen. During the event a number of speeches were delivered highlighting Saudi-Spanish relations and investments. Saudi and Spanish firms will set up a $ 5 billion joint investment fund, it was announced following the signing of a bilateral agreement during the visit of King Juan Carlos. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Carlos oversaw the signing of the pact to promote and protect investments. Spanish Industry, Trade and Tourism Minister Jose Montilla and Amr Dabbagh, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), signed the landmark agreement at a function in Riyadh. Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal told reporters after a meeting with his Spanish counterpart Miguel Angel Moratinos that Spanish and Saudi firms would set up a $ 5 billion investment fund. Private sector "companies will allocate this sum for joint investments ... It is an expression of the confidence gained by these companies as a result of growing relations between the two countries," Prince Saud said. King Juan Carlos of Spain received the Governor of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) Amr Ibn Abdullah Al-Dabbagh. During the meeting, the Spanish King was briefed on the topics discussed between Spanish Companies' Directors and Saudi Businessmen. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials. Visiting King Juan Carlos of Spain received the Executive President of Saudi Basic Industries Company (SABIC) Hamad Al Madhi. During the meeting, cooperation between SABIC and Spanish companies was discussed. King Juan Carlos of Spain received the Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation for Military Affairs Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed topics of mutual concern to the two friendly countries. The meeting was attended by Saudi ambassador to Spain Prince Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz and Dr. Saud Ibn Saeed Al-Muthami, Minister of State and Cabinet's Member for Shoura Council Affairs. On the Spanish side, it was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Jose Montilla, and Spanish ambassador to the Kingdom Manuel Alabart. In the presence of the Princess Hessa Al Shaalan wife of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Princess Abeer Bint Faisal Ibn Turki Al Saud held a dinner party in honour of Queen Sofia. During her second day in the Kingdom, Queen Sofia of Spain toured Diriyah old city. Diriyah Old City, the mud house city is a tourist destination being the town of Al-Saud - the Saudi ruling family originated from and the first capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Queen expressed her amazement at how cool the old mud houses were and how beautiful the old city looked surrounded with date palm tree farms from all sides. Wearing a pink jacket and a pink silk skirt, Queen of Spain toured the old city accompanied by Princess Abeer wife of Prince Saud Ibn Naif Al-Saud current Saudi Ambassador to Spain and their daughter Princess Al-Jouharah Bint Saud Ibn Naif. The Queen was welcomed in the traditional Saudi style with burning incense, Arabic coffee, dates and mint tea. Abdullah Al-Rakban, project manager of Al-Diriyah Development Program, Abdulaziz Al-Bosyouni Director of Antiques and Antiquities of Diriyah City and Dr Ali Al-Ghaneem Deputy Minister of Antiques and Antiquities greeted the Queen. The Queen of Spain showed great interest in Saudi traditional architecture while Princess Abeer alongside Bosyouni explained to her the different sections of the houses. Queen Sofia expressed her astonishment on how cool the houses were. Bosyouni explained that the design of the traditional houses and the material used such as palm tree leaves mixed with mud made the houses insolated and cool. Al-Rakban explained to the Queen the new Diriyah development project while Al-Ghaneem introduced publications and studies on Saudi antiquities. Saudi published antiquity books were offered to the Queen as gifts. "I will study all the books on the plane on my way back to Spain." The Queen told Ghaneem. At noon the Queen along with Princess Abeer toured Prince Sultan's Humanitarian City and then visited King Abdul Aziz National Museum in the evening. Queen Sofia and King Juan Carlos had arrived late Saturday afternoon for a three day official visit. King Juan Carlos of Spain received the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Eng. Ali Ibn Ibrahim Al-Naimi. During the meeting, they discussed oil relations and ways of their enhancement and an invitation to Spanish companies to contribute to oil and petrochemical projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The meeting was attended by Saudi ambassador to Spain Prince Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz. On the Spanish side, it was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Jose Montilla, and Spanish ambassador to the Kingdom Manuel Alabart. King Juan Carlos of Spain held a meeting with Chairman of Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abdul Rahman Ibn Rashid Al-Rashid and a number of Saudi businessmen. During the meeting, they discussed economic opportunities between the two countries and ways of their enhancement. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials of both sides. King Juan Carlos of Spain received the Minister of Water and Electricity Eng. Abdullah Ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Hussein. During the meeting, they discussed investment chances available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of water desalination and electricity. On the Spanish side, it was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Jose Montilla, and Spanish ambassador to the Kingdom Manuel Alabart. King Juan Carlos of Spain received the Minister of Transport Dr. Jubarah Ibn Eid Al-Suraisri. During the meeting, they discussed cooperation between the two countries in the field of transportation. The Spanish side expressed its interest in participating in the execution of railways announced by the Saudi government. The meeting was attended by Saudi ambassador to Spain Prince Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz. On the Spanish side, it was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Jose Montilla, and Spanish ambassador to the Kingdom Manuel Alabart. King Juan Carlos of Spain received the President and Senior Executive Officer of Saudi Aramco Abdullah Ibn Saleh Joma'a. During the meeting, they discussed relations between Saudi Aramco and Spanish companies and the role of Spanish constructing companies in huge projects being implemented by Saudi Aramco. The meeting was attended by Saudi ambassador to Spain Prince Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz. On the Spanish side, it was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Jose Montilla, and Spanish ambassador to the Kingdom Manuel Alabart. The Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Hashim Yamani received the visiting Spanish Minister of Industry, Commerce, & Tourism, Jose Montilla. They reviewed aspects of Trade and Industrial Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Spain. The meeting was attended by Dr Khalid Al-Suleiman, the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for Industrial Affairs, and Essam Al-Mubarak, the Advisor at the office of the Minister of Commerce and Industry. It is worth mentioning that the volume of trade exchange between Saudi Arabia and Spain mounted in 2004 to SR 10, 623 million: Saudi Arabia's exports amounted to SR 8, 382 million, while its imports amounted to SR 2, 241 million. |
|||||
