April 14, 2006

SINGAPORE THE SECOND LEG IN CROWN PRINCE'S SULTAN TOUR. TALKS BETWEEN CROWN PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ AND THE SINGAPOREAN LEADERSHIP COVER BILATERAL RELATIONS, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES, TERRORISM AND SECURITY. PRINCE SULTAN DELIVERS A SPEECH AT THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN STUDIES INSTITUTE: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC WELFARE ARE KEYS FOR A MORE PROSPEROUS FUTURE FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. THE SIGNING OF COOPERATION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES. THE TEXT OF THE SAUDI-SINGAPOREAN COMMUNIQUÉ. THE CROWN PRINCE RECEIVES THE YEMENI PRESIDENT IN HONG KONG. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Singapore have expressed satisfaction over their fostering bilateral relations and underscored the importance of enhancing their cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, financial services, scientific and political domains. The remarks came in the joint communiqué issued at the end of the visit of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, to Singapore. Prince Sultan paid a three-day visit to Singapore on April 10-12, 2006, in response to an invitation from Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. During the visit Crown Prince Sultan met Singaporean President Sellapan Rama Nathan and reviewed with him issues pertaining to bilateral relations and a number of regional and international topics. At the meeting held with the Singaporean Prime Minister Loong, the two sides emphasized the importance of the existing economic and political ties between the Kingdom and Singapore, and reviewed means of further enhancing bilateral relations and realizing a comprehensive long-term economic partnership. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two sides welcomed exchange of documents for ratifying the general agreement for cooperation between the two countries, signing a memorandum of understanding for political consultation between the foreign ministries of the two countries as well as signing a memorandum of program for trade cooperation in addition to signing an agreement for the protection and encouragement of general investments, formation of the Saudi-Singaporean business council and opening an office for the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (SAGIA) in Singapore. The two sides highlighted the advantages of the freedom of the world trade and the regional trade agreements. Singapore congratulated the Kingdom for its admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The two sides agreed to further coordinate and cooperate within the framework of the WTO and the regional economic blocs. The Kingdom expressed support to the agreement of the free trade due to be signed by Singapore and the GCC member states. Singapore appraised the Kingdom's role as regards realizing stability at the oil market. The two sides underlined the importune of enhancing international cooperation and adherence to the principles and goals of the UN as well as the resolutions of the international legitimacy in settling the regional and international disputes as well as the importance of enhancing the pillars of peace and dialogue among the nations. Singapore expressed support to the call of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to condemn conflict of civilizations and to replace it with the idea of coexistence of civilizations. The two sides expressed support to the Asian-Middle East dialogue and expressed satisfaction over the achievement attained in this respect . The two sides underscored the importance of just, durable and comprehensive settlement for the Palestinian problem based on the UN's resolutions and the peace initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz which was approved by the Arab Summit in 2002, and the road map in a manner that realizes stability and security in the Middle East and the world. The two sides confirmed their determination on fighting terrorism, and Singapore expressed support to the resolutions adopted by the international conference for combating terrorism, held in Riyadh in 2005 including the proposal of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to establish an international center for combating terrorism. The two sides agreed to exchange visits at the high-ranking level in a manner that serves mutual interest. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz expressed appreciation for the warm welcome given to him and the accompanying delegation by the Singaporean officials and people. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, arrived on a three-day official visit to Singapore. He was welcomed at the airport by Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Law Professor Shunmugam Jaya Kumar and other senior officials as well as Dr Mohammed Kurdi, Mohammed Ameen Wali and Essam Thakafi, the Saudi ambassadors accredited to Singapore, Philippines and Brunei respectively. Prince Sultan is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation including Prince Faisal Ibn Saud Ibn Mohammed. He left Hong Kong earlier in the day. At Hong Kong International Airport, Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz was seen off by Hong Kong's Second Deputy Executive President Ide Kam, Chief of Protocol in Hong Kong, Saudi Consul General Ala' Aldeen Al'Askary, Saudi Military Attaché in Beijing Col. Eng. Salih Abdullah Al Ghamdi, senior members of the Saudi Consulate General in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, received the Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and his accompanying delegation. Both the Saudi and Yemeni leaders were currently in Hong Kong. At the closed-door meeting, Prince Sultan and President Saleh, discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and the latest developments at Arab, Islamic and international arenas, notably the current situation in Palestine and Iraq. Later, President Saleh attended a luncheon hosted by Crown Prince Sultan in his honor. The meeting and the luncheon were attended by Prince Faisal Ibn Saud Ibn Mohammed, a number of other princes and senior officials. On the Yemeni side, they were attended by Dr Abdul Karim Al-Aryani, the political advisor of the Yemeni President, and other senior officials. Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has highlighted the importance of his talks in Hong Kong with Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, and said the talks were characterized with "frankness and transparency." In a statement telecast by the Yemeni satellite channel, President Saleh said the talks had covered the arrangements pertaining to the meeting of the Saudi-Yemeni coordination council, due to be held in the Yemeni city of Hudeidah on May 22, 2006. "It will not be a strange matter to hold talks in an atmosphere of frankness and transparency because the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen are linked with deep-rooted fraternal bonds as well as with mutual interests and good neighbourhood," he noted. President of Singapore President Sellapan Rama Nathan received Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General. They reviewed aspects of cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Singapore in various fields. Speaking on the occasion, Prince Sultan expressed appreciation for the warm welcome given to him by the Singaporean government and people. The meeting was attended by Prince Sultan's accompanying delegation as well as Saudi ambassador to Singapore Dr Mohammed Ameen Kurdi. At Astana presidential palace in Singapore, Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, was accorded a red-carpet official welcome by Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Upon arrival of Crown Prince Sultan from the airport at the presidential palace, the two country's national anthems were played, the Saudi guest and his host inspected the guard of honour before the Crown Prince making written remarks in a protocol record in which he expressed pleasure of visiting Singapore. Then Crown Prince Sultan shook hands with senior officials queuing for his welcome, including ministers, and diplomatic corps accredited to Singapore. Meanwhile, the Singaporean Prime Minister shook hands with the Saudi delegation accompanying the Crown Prince. Then Prime Minister Loong and Crown Prince Sultan co-chaired a round of talks. At the outset of the meeting, Loong welcomed Crown Prince Sultan, wishing him good stay in Singapore. In turn, Crown Prince Sultan thanked him for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The two sides reviewed aspects of cooperation between the two countries and also ways of enhancing them in all fields in a way that benefits the two friendly countries in addition to discussing matters of mutual concern and the latest developments at the regional and international arenas. The round of talks was attended by Crown Prince's accompanying delegation, led by Prince Dr. Mishaal Ibn Abdullah Ibn Musaed, Supervisor of Studies at the Defense Minister's office. On the Singaporean side, the delegation was led by Foreign Minister George Yeo Yong Boon. Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong held a dinner party in honour of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, who is currently visiting Singapore. The dinner party was attended by Crown Prince Sultan's accompanying delegation, Singapore's Minister of Foreign Affairs George Yeo Yong Boon and a number of senior officials. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, has welcomed the current visit of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, to Singapore. "Prince Sultan is a man of peace and a respected friend who has been shouldering his responsibilities in an efficient manner." In a press statement, the Singaporean Prime Minister said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has earned a good reputation at the international arena, and it stands as a symbol of the country which is sincere in its words and deeds. Pointing to the economic and strategic importance of the Kingdom, he hailed its role as regards enhancing the pillars of global peace and narrowing gaps among various parties. "The visit is a milestone in the Saudi-Singaporean relations," he said adding that the visit comes in line with the trend of strengthening relations with the Middle East countries in general and with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular. The Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament Abdullah Tarmouji has highlighted the current visit of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General to Singapore, and said it will have a political and economic importance. In a statement published in the Jeddah-based Okaz Arabic newspaper, he said Singapore hopes that the visit will serve mutual interests. On his part, Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo Yong Boon said the Crown Prince's visit will further cement Saudi-Singaporean relations and added that Saudi Arabia has been playing an important role as regards peace in the Middle East and the stability of the world economy. He pointed out that the visit will not only give an opportunity to sign economic or political agreements, but will also extend a good chance to review bilateral relations as well as the situation in the Arab Gulf, peace in the Middle East in addition to the problem of terrorism. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, received Minister Mentor at the office of the Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. They reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries and other issues of mutual interest. Speaking on the occasion, Prince Sultan expressed happiness for visiting Singapore, and said his visit comes within the framework of the Kingdom's keenness on further cementing relations with Singapore. On his part, Lee Kuan Yew reiterated the importance of enhancing cooperation with the Kingdom notably in the economic and commercial spheres in a manner that serves mutual interests. The meeting was attended by Prince Sultan's accompanying delegation and Saudi ambassador to Singapore Dr Mohammed Ameen Kurdi. In presence of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Singapore signed four memorandums of understanding on cooperation in commercial and political fields. The first memorandum on trade cooperation was signed by Saudi Minister of Planning and Economy Khalid Ibn Mohammed Al-Qusaibi and Singapore's Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang. The second memorandum on promotion and protection of mutual investment was signed by Governor of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) Amr bin Abdullah Al-Dabbagh and Singapore's Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang. The third memorandum on political bilateral consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries was signed by Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Nizar bin Obaid Madani and his Singapore's Counterpart Zein Al-Abedin Rashid. The fourth memorandum on general agreements between Saudi and Singaporean Commerce Chambers was signed by Deputy Chairman of Saudi Commerce Chambers Abdulrahman Al-Jeraisi and Steven Lee, the Official in charge of Singapore's Commerce Chambers. The signing ceremony was attended by the delegation accompanying the Crown Prince. Singapore's Senior Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong held a dinner party in honour of visiting Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The dinner party was attended by Crown Prince Sultan's accompanying delegation, Singapore's senior government officials and diplomatic corps accredited to Singapore. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, graced the speech event organized by South East Asian Studies Institute at the conferences center in Singapore. He was received at the venue by Singapore's Senior Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, a number of government ministers and managers of the institute. In a speech, Tong welcomed Crown Prince Sultan, wishing him good stay in Singapore. He gave an account on Crown Prince Sultan's philanthropic efforts and good endeavours in the political, economic, social and charitable fields. On his part, Crown Prince Sultan thanked the Singaporean government and people for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and accompanying delegation. He noted with pleasure the expansion of bilateral cooperation, citing the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda in Singapore. He said the Arab Asian cooperation ushers in new era, noting that the size of trade between the two sides have increased in the recent few years to more than three folds. In this regard, Crown Prince Sultan pointed to the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to a number of Asian countries last year and the Singaporean initiative to launch dialogue between member countries of Asia and the Middle East last year. He said the increase in economic growth rates in a number of Asian and Arab countries, particularly the member countries of the GCC, is considered among the world's highest. He said trade and investment exchanges between the two regions are expected make great strides, noting the accelerating privatization programs in the member states of the two regions. As for Saudi Arabia privatization program, Crown Prince Sultan said it covers vital sectors including water desalination and treatment, power generation, gas and minerals exploration, telecommunications, air transportation, airports and sea ports. He paid tribute to the economic development experiment in Singapore, describing it as an ideal unique one that deserves respect. Based on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's influential role in the oil market, an ambitious program worth more than $50 billion will bring to 12.5 million barrels per day the Saudi Arabian oil production capacity when it is completed, Crown Prince Sultan said. He reassured the oil market of the determination of the world's leading oil producer and exporter of continual stability and steady supply. About the troubled Middle East, Crown Prince Sultan said the Arab Israeli conflict is still a source of tension in the region, pending a fair and comprehensive solution based on the international legitimacy. He expressed hope that the solution will be based on the peace initiative launched by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia during the Beirut Arab summit 2002 and the road map. We also gear forward to see a secure, stable Iraq that maintains its integral unity and independence as an integral part of the Arab world and world community, he said. He reiterated his country's position denouncing all forms of terrorism as this international plague is a violation of the values of Islam. He recalled that Saudi Arabia has hosted the Anti-terrorism International Conference in Riyadh in 2005 which adopted Saudi Arabia's proposal to set up of an international center for combating terrorism "which we hope that the United Nations will adopt it", he said. Crown Prince Sultan called for upgrading the level of understanding, contacts and spreading the culture of peace, tolerance and equality among civilizations and rejecting violence and terrorism. In response to a question following the speech, Crown Prince Sultan confirmed that Saudi Arabia and Singapore have agreed to jointly enhance their fight against terrorism in the two countries. He expressed hope that the Saudi Singaporean Joint Business Council which was initiated in Singapore will play its role in boosting cooperation between the two countries. The event was attended by Crown Prince Sultan's accompanying delegation, Singaporean ministers and senior government officials, diplomatic corps accredited to Singapore and university professors. Crown Prince Sultan's speech is the 28th annually organized by the institute. Each year a leader of the world delivers a lecture at the institute. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz has welcomed Singaporean companies and businessmen to invest in the Kingdom's key sectors such as desalination, power generation, gas exploration, minerals, air transport, airports, seaports, services and telecommunications. Minister for Defense Hean called on Prince Sultan. Teo later hosted a lunch for Prince Sultan and his delegation. Teo noted the growing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Singapore, and agreed that the bilateral relationship would grow stronger with the current visit of Prince Sultan. They also reaffirmed the need for closer engagement between Asia and the Middle East. The meeting underscores the friendly defense ties between Saudi Arabia and Singapore. The Royal Saudi Armed Forces have attended the Command and Staff Course conducted by the Singapore Armed Forces. There is also a regular exchange of visits by both armed forces for defense exhibitions and professional events. Such interactions help to foster mutual understanding and enhance the relationship between the two armed forces. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, graced a dinner party held in his honor by the Saudi Ambassador to Singapore Dr. Mohammed bin Ameen Kurdi. The function was attended by Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Crown Prince Sultan's accompanying delegation, Singaporean ministers, senior government officials, and diplomatic corps accredited to Singapore. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, donated a total of $ 1.5 million in support of a number of Islamic associations in Singapore. During his current visit, Crown Prince Sultan donated 500,000 U.S. dollars to the Islamic Supreme Council, a governmental organization in charge of Muslims' general affairs, to finance the Islamic Guidance School in Singapore, 500,000 U.S. dollars to the Islamic Da'wa (Call) Association to finance the expansion works of the association's main building and 500,000 U.S. dollars to Al Mohammadiya Association, active in the field of Islamic call in Singapore. Saudi Ambassador to Singapore Dr Mohammed Ameen Kurdi has underlined the importance of the first visit to Singapore by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Kurdi said the Singaporean government has made all necessary arrangements for the reception of Prince Sultan in recognition of the pioneering role being played by the kingdom of Saudi Arabia at regional and international arenas. He noted that Singapore is keen on further cementing its relations with the kingdom. Kurdi pointed out that the visit comes within the framework of the kingdom's efforts to broaden and deepen its relations with the influential countries in Asia and for attracting foreign investments and entering the Asian markets. 'the Saudi-Singaporean relations are based on mutual respect', he said adding that the visit paid to the kingdom last year by the former Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, was a milestone in the bilateral relations. The Ambassador said the Singaporean government appreciates the services being extended by the kingdom to pilgrims and Umrah (minor Hajj) performers. He pointed out that the Muslims in Singapore constitute about 14 percent of total population, which is estimated at four million. 'Singapore is the biggest importer of the Saudi crude oil among the countries of South East Asian association, and at the same time it comes next to Indonesia as regards exports to the kingdom, and the fourth at the world level in terms of imports from the kingdom', he said adding that the kingdom is the seventh biggest exporting country to Singapore, He noted that Saudi exports to Singapore amounted to $6.15 billion in 2005,while the kingdom's imports from Singapore amounted $358 million in the same year. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, left Tokyo after a several-day official visit. He was seen off at Tokyo international airport by Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito, a number of high-ranking officials and Saudi Ambassador to Japan Faisal Hassan Ahmad Trad. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, has sent a cable of thanks to Japan's Emperor Akihito after leaving Japan. In his cable, the Crown Prince expressed his best thanks to and appreciation of the Japanese Emperor for a warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him which demonstrate strong and close relations binding the two countries. The Crown Prince expressed his pleasure over meeting the Emperor and watching Japan's progress during his visit which coincided with the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. He wished the emperor continual good health and happiness and the friendly people of Japan steady progress and prosperity. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, has also sent a cable of thanks to Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito after leaving Japan. In his cable, the Crown Prince expressed his best thanks to and appreciation of the Japanese Crown Prince for a warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation which demonstrate strong and close relations binding the two countries. The Crown Prince expressed his pleasure over meeting the Japanese Crown Prince who spelt out his cordial feelings towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He wished the Japanese Crown Prince continual good health and happiness and the friendly people of Japan steady progress and prosperity. Crown Prince Sultan has also sent a cable of thanks to Japan's Premier Junichiro Koizumi after leaving Japan. In his cable, the Crown Prince expressed his best thanks to and appreciation of the Japanese Premier for a warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation. The Crown Prince expressed his pleasure over meeting the Japanese Premier and officials, commending the talks held with them and the positive outcomes, which stressed identical viewpoints of the two countries towards issues of mutual interest. The Crown Prince expressed his satisfaction over the premier's keenness on proceeding with the strategic partnership between the two countries to further enhance bilateral relations in various fields which affirm strong relations binding the two friendly countries under the patronage of the custodian of the two holy mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and the Japanese Premier. He wished the Japanese Premier continual good health and happiness and the friendly people of Japan steady progress and prosperity Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, arrived in Hong Kong en route from Japan to the republic of Singapore on a several day state visit. He was received at Hong Kong airport by the Second Deputy Executive President of Hong Kong Ide Kam, Chief of Protocol Tony Leon, Saudi Consul General In Hong Kong Ala'a Aldeen Al'askari, and senior officials.