April 21, 2006

THE CROWN PRINCE CONCLUDES HIS ASIAN TOUR WITH A VISIT TO PAKISTAN. TALKS HELD BETWEEN CROWN PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ, PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF AND THE PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER COVER BILATERAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES. PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF PRAISES THE POSITIVE ROLE THE KINGDOM PLAYS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE MUSLIM UMMAH. THE CROWN PRINCE: SAUDI-PAKISTANI RELATIONS ARE FRATERNAL AND DEEP-ROOTED AND THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES IS DETERMINED TO FURTHER DEEPENING RELATIONS WITH PAKISTAN IN ALL DOMAINS. CROWN PRINCE SULTAN : THE INJUSTICE AND SUFFERING INFLICTED UPON THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE NECESSITATE THE UNITY OF REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO END THE OCCUPATION. THE LEADERS DISCUSS COUNTER-TERRORISM AND VOW TO CONTINUE THEIR FIGHT AGAINST THIS DANGER. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, arrived in Riyadh today coming from Islamabad after paying official visits to Japan, Singapore, and Pakistan at the invitation of these countries' leaders. At King Khalid International Airport, Crown Prince Sultan was received by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, a number of princes, ministers and senior officials. The Crown Prince was accompanied by a number of princes and ministers. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, and the accompanying delegation left Pakistan at the conclusion of a two-day official visit to Pakistan. At the airport, the Crown Prince was seen off by Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and other officials. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, sent a cable of thanks to President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan after the Crown Prince left Pakistan. In the cable, the Crown Prince thanked the President for the hospitality he received during his visit to Pakistan. The Crown Prince also sent a similar cable to Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and Aviation, and Inspector General, arrived in Islamabad to a warm welcome last Saturday on a two-day official visit to Pakistan. President General Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Defense Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal, Saudi Ambassador in Islamabad Ali Awadh Asseri and high-ranking civil and military officials received the Crown Prince at Chaklala Airbase, near Islamabad. Crown Prince Sultan is on the last leg of his three-nation visit that took him also to Japan and Singapore. President Musharraf broke protocol when he went with Premier Aziz to Rawalpindi to receive the Crown Prince. Two F-16 fighters earlier escorted Prince Sultan's special aircraft into Pakistani airspace. He was also given a 21-gun salute. Two children attired in traditional Pakistani dress presented flower bouquets to him. The airport was decorated with Pakistani and Saudi flags, pictures of King Abdullah, Musharraf, Prince Sultan and Premier Aziz. Schoolchildren at the airport showered petals on the motorcade as it passed them. Schoolchildren, standing on the two sides of the road on which Prince Sultan passed, waved Saudi flags to greet him. Traditional horse dancing and folk dances were also part of the welcoming ceremony for the distinguished guest. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz was then driven to Punjab House in a motorcade. Meanwhile, Pakistan's English newspaper "The News", in its international edition, said Crown Prince Sultan's meetings with President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz would focus on bilateral issues as well as regional and global developments including Iran's nuclear issue, Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine and the war against terrorism. President Musharraf and Crown Prince Sultan will address a joint news conference after their meeting, the newspaper said. Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General held a meeting. At the outset of the meeting, the Pakistani President welcomed the Crown Prince, wishing him a good stay in Pakistan. On his part, the Crown Prince conveyed to the President the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz . The Crown Prince thanked the President for a warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him which demonstrate distinguished relations binding the two countries and emphasize the importance and distinction of these relations. During the meeting, they reviewed the latest developments at the Islamic and international arenas, the stands of the two countries towards them, aspects of cooperation between the two countries in all fields and ways of their enhancement in the interest of the two brotherly peoples. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz and President General Pervez Musharraf held wide-ranging talks at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, focusing on expanding bilateral economic, trade and defense cooperation. The two leaders agreed on further augmenting trade and commercial cooperation to bolster multifaceted ties, an official statement said. The Crown Prince and the President exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern, including the situation in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Palestinian question, Kashmir dispute, Iranian nuclear issue and the OIC reforms. The two leaders discussed counter-terrorism cooperation and the ongoing fight against the scourge. They vowed to work together for resolution of political disputes affecting the Muslims and promotion of interfaith harmony for lasting peace, development and security in the world. On the Saudi side, the meeting was attended by Prince Faisal Ibn Saud Ibn Mohammed; Prince Dr. Mishaal Ibn Abdullah Ibn Musaed, Supervisor of Studies at the office of Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Faisal Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Secretary General of Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz Charitable Foundation; Dr. Musaed Ibn Mohammed Al-Eiban, Minister of State and Cabinet's Member; Khaled Ibn Mohammed Al-Qusaibi, Minister of Economy and Planning; Dr. Nizar Ibn Obaid Madani, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Awadh Asseri. On the Pakistani side, it was attended by Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri; Defense Minister Sikandar Iqbal; Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao and Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry Riyadh Mohammed Khan. President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan held a reception party in honor of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, who is currently visiting Pakistan. The reception party was attended by Pakistani Premier Shaukat Aziz. Welcoming Crown Prince Sultan, President Musharraf said 'it is a great honor for the Pakistani government and people to welcome their Saudi brethren'. Highlighting the positive role being played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the service of the Islamic causes, he said 'Pakistan is keen on deepening its relations with the Kingdom in the fields of trade, investment and technology'. The Pakistani President appraised the support extended by the Kingdom to Pakistan following the destructive earthquake, which hit the country last year. 'That kind gesture will not be a strange matter from the side of the Saudi Leadership which has always being extending support to Pakistan', he said. On his part, Crown Prince Sultan reiterated the respect of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to the Pakistani leadership and people, and said King Abdullah is determined on further deepening relations with Pakistan in all domains notably in the economic, cultural and political domains. 'The Saudi-Pakistani relations are fraternal and deep-rooted', he said noting that Pakistan had unwaveringly sent its troops to the Kingdom when they were needed. 'Pakistan since its independence has been going ahead on the proper Islamic path and doing its best to hold high the banner of Islam in this region', he added. Prince Sultan expressed his good wishes to the Pakistani people and government and underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation among the Muslim countries. The reception party was attended by Prince Sultan's accompanying delegation, Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Ali Assiri as well as a number of Pakistani senior officials. Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz received Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, who was visiting Pakistan. They held a closed- door meeting. Later, they were joined in an open session by members of the official delegations of the two countries. They reviewed bilateral relations and the latest developments at Islamic and international arenas, notably the Palestinian problem and the current situation in Iraq. The meeting was attended by Prince Sutlan's accompanying delegation and a number of senior Pakistani officials including the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mian Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri and the Minister of Defense Rao Sikandar Iqbal. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General graced a luncheon held in his honor by Pakistan's Premier Shaukat Aziz. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. In his speech, the Crown Prince expressed his thanks to and appreciation of the Pakistani Premier for his cordial feelings towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and for a warm welcome and generous hospitality. He said the Kingdom under the leadership of the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz expressed their pleasure over Pakistan's proceeding on the track of steady progress and prosperity. The Crown Prince noted special relations between the two countries based on deep bases of cooperation, work for the service of the Muslim nation and support for issues of justice, right and peace in the region and the world. Our discussion with the President stressed the deep relations binding the two leaderships and their brotherly peoples, Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz said and praised the level of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various political, educational, economic, commercial and investment fields. He said that the latest developments, events and gravity of issues facing our Muslim nation necessitate more consultations and cooperation between the two countries to achieve our peoples' ambitions of glory, security, stability and prosperity. The Crown Prince added that injustice and suffering inflicted upon the Palestinian people necessitate the unity of regional and international efforts to end occupation and to achieve the aspirations of the Palestinian people for setting up an independent state with Al-Quds as its capital. He expressed hopes that security and stability prevail in Iraq to regain its position in Arab and Muslim nations. The Crown Prince added that the whole world has suffered from terrorism, noting that the two countries have been in the forefront of countries that have been fighting terrorism and renouncing extremism emanating from the principles of religion that condemn terrorism and enhance values of justice, moderation, tolerance, equality and acquaintance with others. We will continue united in confronting this scourge, he said. He commended the process of dialogue pursued by Pakistan in its relations with India since it is the optimal way to solve problems and disputes by peaceful means. It is time to reach a just and peaceful solution to Kashmir issue. We hope the two countries continue the peace process and establish permanent relations of good neighborliness to enhance security and peace in the region and the world. The Crown Prince wished the people of Pakistan progress and prosperity and relations between the two countries steady growth and progress. At the outset of the party, Pakistan's Premier Shaukat Aziz delivered a speech in which he said that two months ago, "we had the privilege of welcoming His Majesty the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to Pakistan. Both of these visits will be long cherished by our people. The Kingdom has a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan. Our common faith and heritage have ensured a profound understanding and fraternity between us." He was grateful for the generous Saudi assistance for Pakistan's earthquake affected areas and said this solidarity with the suffering people has touched Pakistanis deeply. "I am confident that we shall be able to build a brighter future for our people in the affected areas with the support of friends and brothers such as Saudi Arabia." The Prime Minister said Pakistan has consistently enjoyed exemplary relations with Saudi Arabia. "We share a friendship rooted in our common faith and characterized by cooperation in diverse areas. We have stood by each other in difficult time, and have an abiding interest in each other's progress and security. We also deeply appreciated Saudi Arabia's assistance for Pakistan's economic development." Pakistan, Aziz said, has a keen interest in further expanding relations, and raising them to a higher plane for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Given Pakistan's strategic location and current rapid growth, there exists tremendous potential for greater cooperation in a broad spectrum of areas: specifically trade, investment, culture, education and defence," he said and expressed the confidence that Prince Sultan's visit would further bolster bilateral relations. The Prime Minister said the two countries share similar views on a broad range of regional and international issues. "We are allies against the spectre of global terrorism. It is a threat to all faiths and societies. We condemn terrorism and extremism in all its forms. We have been playing a key role in the fight against terrorism and have achieved major successes. At the same time, we believe that a lasting solution of the problem requires addressing its root causes. We reject the false linkage being drawn between terrorism and Islam, a faith of peace, compassion and tolerance. We also condemn the unjustified vilification of Muslims as has been demonstrated through the printing of the blasphemous sketches in some Western countries." Aziz said the need of the hour was to bridge the perilous divide between Islam and the West. The importance of promoting inter-faith harmony and inter-civilisational understanding in these times cannot be over-emphasised. Pakistan, he said, attaches, great importance to a secure and stable Middle East. This cannot be achieved without a just solution of the Palestinian issues. A basis for such a settlement was proposed by King Abdullah at the Beirut Arab League summit in 2002. "We urge the international community to facilitate an early resolution of this festering conflict." The deteriorating security situation in Iraq, the Prime Minister said, is a source of great concern to Pakistan. "We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and believe that the Iraqi people should be enabled to resolve the challenges before them." "In our region," Aziz said, "Pakistan remains committed to the composite dialogue process with India. A durable peace in the region requires a just settlement of the Kashmir dispute, which lies at the heart of Pakistan-India relations. We hope India will respond positively to the initiatives taken by Pakistan in this regard." The Prime Minister said on Pakistan's western borders, a strong and stable Afghanistan is of strategic important to it. "We have extended our full cooperation to President Karzai and remain committed to supporting our Afghan brothers." The controversy surrounding the Iranian nuclear programme, Aziz said, must be resolved through dialogue and compromise. "We are opposed to the use of force as this would exacerbate an already complex regional situation. While we oppose nuclear weapons proliferation, we recognize Iran's right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under appropriate international safeguards. The luncheon was attended by the delegation accompanying the Crown Prince, a number of Pakistani ministers and officials. Pakistan's Minister of Defense Rao Sikandar Iqbal welcomed the visit of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General to Pakistan. In a statement to Okaz newspaper, he said that the Crown Prince has been respected and appreciated by all Pakistanis and he has been a friend of all. The significance of the visit will be increased following the recent visit paid to Pakistan by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz during which a number of important agreements were signed, he said and added that the Crown Prince's visit demonstrates the great interest being given by the Kingdom to enhance relations with Pakistan. "The visit is important since it is the first one to be paid by Crown Prince Sultan to Pakistan since he assumed his post as a Crown Prince. It is the final leg of the Crown Prince's important tour of a number of Asian countries which has effectively contributed to expanding a dialogue between the Kingdom and the countries visited by the Crown Prince. The visit will be an important opportunity for exchanging viewpoints and coordination on the enhancement of a joint Islamic action,' the Pakistani defense minister pointed out. During the Crown Prince's visit, the talks will deal with topics of mutual concern to the two countries and the Muslim nation. They will also discuss the developments of situations in Kashmir, Afghanistan, the Palestinian territories, the Iraqi arena, challenges confronting the Muslim nation, enhancement of efforts to combat terrorism and the display of a real image of Islam distanced from terrorism and extremism, he added. The talks will also deal with cooperation in military fields. He expressed his country's pride of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which stands by the Pakistani people in all circumstances, expressing his appreciation of the Kingdom's government and people for the aid provided when the earthquake hit Pakistan last year. Minister Iqbal commended strong and deep relations binding the two countries in political, economic, commercial and military fields. He affirmed his government's keenness on enhancing this strategic partnership with the Kingdom since the Kingdom is a pioneering state in strengthening security, peace and Islamic solidarity. He noted that all Muslim worshippers direct themselves to the Kingdom which is the cradle of the revelation. In a joint statement at the conclusion of the visit, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan reaffirmed their resolve to continue their cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism. They also called for peaceful dialogue to end the standoff with Iran on its nuclear program. "We are opposed to the use of force," Aziz said, adding the use of force will exacerbate an already complex regional situation. "While we oppose nuclear weapons proliferation, we recognize Iran's right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under appropriate international safeguards," Aziz said during his meeting with Sultan. The two countries, which are leading members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), also agreed to expand their cooperation in political, economic, investment, educational, defense and other fields. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan held a dinner party in honour of the media delegation accompanying Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz. The party was attended by members of the Saudi Embassy and a number of intellects and media personalities in Pakistan. Saudi Ambassador to Islamabad Ali Awadh Asseri told reporters that the visit of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Pakistan would go a long way in further consolidating the profound, unique and durable relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said that the Crown Prince would discuss with senior officials of Pakistan important bilateral, regional and international issues. Asseri said in a statement given to reporters that talks would deal with all fields of cooperation, particularly in the fields of trade and education. He said that Saudi-Pak cooperation in anti-terrorism war was especially significant and the contribution the two countries have made on this count has been acknowledged and lauded at all levels throughout the world. Asseri said the visit would demonstrate the love and affection that the Saudi leadership and people have for the leadership and people of Pakistan. In Riyadh Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, described the outcomes of his tour of Japan, Singapore, and Pakistan as good, noting that it came within the policy drawn by the custodian of the two holy mosques king abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz during all his visits. In an arrival statement, he noted that, during his visits, the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded the king, the Crown Prince and the Saudi people. On the baseless allegations of the kingdom's possession of nuclear weapons, he said they were denied then and we are against nuclear weapons. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, planted a tree in a garden in Islamabad in presence of the Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Upon arrival at the venue, he was received by a number of Pakistani ministers. On his way to the garden, he watched a horse parade and a group of falcons. On the other hand Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has commended the visit of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General to Pakistan. In a statement to Al-Yaum newspaper, he said that the talks to be held with the Crown Prince will be deep and comprehensive and will deal with bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest. Saudi-Pakistani relations have been witnessing steady development at the political and economic arenas, the President said. President Musharraf praised cooperation existing between the two countries and described it as very satisfactory, noting that one objective of this cooperation calls for increase in Saudi investment in Pakistan. ''For several years, we have launched Saudi-Pakistani investment partnership. At present, its performance is very good. Some groups of the private sector have invested actually,'' he said. The Pakistani President hoped for the increase in the exchange of visits between the officials of the two countries which will give a strong advance to investment in the Kingdom and Pakistan. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, left Singapore after an official visit. He was seen off at Singapore International Airport by Singaporean Deputy Premier, Minister of law and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Defense Affairs Shunmugam JayaKumar and a number of senior officials as well as Saudi Ambassador to Singapore Dr Mohammed Ameen Kurdi.