May 26, 2006

THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES RECEIVES A MESSAGE FROM THE GERMAN CHANCELLOR. CROWN PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ REVIEWS WITH THE GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER IRAQI, PALESTINIAN AND REGIONAL ISSUES. THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF SAUDI ARABIA AND GERMANY STRESS THAT THE RESUMPTION OF THE PEACE PROCESS IS THE ONLY WAY FOR SOLVING THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE AND STOPPING VIOLENCE IN IRAQ. COMPREHENSIVE TALKS IN OMAN BETWEEN THE SAUDI SHOURA DELEGATION AND HIGH RANKING OMANI OFFICIALS. THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF OMAN: THE GCC STATES HAVE ACHIEVED MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS AND AN OVERALL RENAISSANCE THANKS TO THE WISDOM OF THEIR LEADERS. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has received a message from the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel. The message was handed over by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier during an audience with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques at his office at the Royal Court at Al Yamamah palace in Riyadh. During the meeting, the minister conveyed to the king the greetings of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In turn, King Abdullah sent his greetings to the German leader. The audience was attended by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, other princes, senior officials and Germany's Ambassador to the Kingdom Dr. Gerhard Enver Schrombgens. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received at his office in Riyadh the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they reviewed the overall situations at the international arena, particularly the Palestinian issue and the situation in Iraq in addition to discussing aspects of cooperation between the two countries and ways of enhancing them. The audience was attended by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, other princes, senior protocol officials and Germany's Ambassador to the Kingdom Gerhard Enver Schrombgens. The Foreign Minister of Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and accompanying delegation arrived in Riyadh. He was received at Riyadh air base by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, and senior officials. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, received at his office in Riyadh the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them in addition to the latest developments at the regional and international arenas, particularly the situation in the Middle East. The meeting was attended by foreign ministry's senior officials. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, said in a joint press conference with visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Riyadh, that his talks with the minister dealt with the regional and international developments, particularly the Middle East region, topped by the Palestinian Israeli conflict, situation in Iraq, and mass destruction weapons issue, particularly the nuclear weapons, in addition to a number of issues on the agenda, including reactivating the peace process in the region and working for reaching a solution to the Palestinian Israeli dispute, inducing the evolvement of two independent states according to the international legitimacy, its resolutions and agreements signed by the relevant parties and peace initiatives represented by the road map. Prince Saud said the visit constituted a good chance to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries in all economic, cultural, industrial and technical fields within the memorandum of understanding signed by our two countries in 1977 which yielded the Saudi German Joint Committee and boosted the relations between the two countries to make great strides and witness a tangible development, hoping that it would reach full-fledged potentials based on the good capabilities of the two countries in a number of fields. The last time the two counties met to discuss matters of mutual concern was at the GCC and EU joint conference in Brussels on 16th of May, 2006, Prince Saud said, adding that we hope to see the signing of a trade free zone agreement between the two parties by the end of this year. He underlined the role of Germany in the resumption of the peace process on one hand and the resumption of European assistance to the Palestinian people on the other. He lauded the European role in the endeavour to reach a political solution to the proliferation of mass destruction weapons, particularly the nuclear arms, in the region. He underscored the importance of diplomatic efforts to make the Middle East a nuke free region, emphasizing that any effort in this regard should not exclude Israel. He said Saudi Arabia is gearing forward to consultation and coordination through the first Saudi German Forum scheduled for Berlin in November 2006. From his side German foreign minister Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier highlighted the importance of the Saudi-German relations and said last year the 75th anniversary for the German-Saudi friendship agreement was observed. "Saudi Arabia constitutes an important partner for Germany due to its political weight in the region', he said, adding that they had reviewed the Iranian nuclear issue. Addressing the joint press conference with Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Steinmeier called for exerting efforts to prevent the occurrence of nuclear armament race in the Middle East which will lead to further instability. On the issue of Iraq, he said the Iraqi new government should obtain the required power and authority for the containment of violence. The German minister said he had reviewed the Middle East problem and underscored the importance of proceeding on the path of the peace process. He noted that the the EU countries hope that that the government of Hamas will give up violence and respect the agreements signed earlier. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, who spoke again, said the GCC states have decided to dispatch a delegation to Iran, and said "as countries of the region, we are concerned with the developments there." Asked whether Saudi Arabia supports direct talks between the US and Iran, Prince Saud said "it is not my business to either support or oppose such a development, but we hope a diplomatic solution will be reached in this respect." Prince Saud reiterated the keenness of Saudi Arabia on encouraging foreign investment, and said the Kingdom has become one of the most attractive countries for investments. Prince Saud said the delegation of the German minister included 15 members who represent the biggest German companies, which are keen on benefiting from the investment opportunities available in the Kingdom. He hoped that the new Iraqi government would be capable of ensuring law and order in the country. Meanwhile, the German foreign minister, when asked about the point in demanding the Palestinian government to recognize Israel and to stop violence, at the time when nobody asks Israel to stop the unilateral measures which are not approved by the international community, he said 'the international community has been playing a remarkable role to diffuse tension in this dispute, and there are always demands for the two parties to settle the dispute and avoid violence." Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Riyadh region, received the German Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. The reception was attended by German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr.Gerhard Enver Schrombgens. Prince Sultan Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, President of Youth Welfare and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Kingdom's Participation in the World Soccer Cup Finals in Germany 2006, received at his office in Riyadh today visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and accompanying delegation. Discussions about Germany's preparations to host the event next month overwhelmed the meeting. However, bilateral relations, paricularly the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of youth and sports were discussed. Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi met with the German Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the accompanying delegation. At the outset of the meeting, Al-Naimi welcomed the German delegation to the Kingdom and pointed out to the Saudi government's efforts to supply the international market with all its energy needs in cooperation with member countries of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In this regard, Al-Naimi pointed out to the future giant projects which are to be implemented by Saudi Arabia in the fields of exploring oil and gas in addition to increasing production capacity and constructing new petroleum refineries. He affirmed the Kingdom's keenness to stabilize the international petroleum market. On his part, Steinmeier highlighted the Kingdom's efforts to increase production capacity and to stabilize the international oil market. The meeting was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources for Petroleum Affairs; Prince Faisal Ibn Turki Ibn Abdul Aziz, advisor at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Under Secretary at the ministry for Companies Affairs Abdulrahman bin Mohammad Abdul Kareem, a number of Directors of German companies and top officials of Ma'aden company, Taqah company and Saudi ARAMCO. In Oman Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq Al Said, representative of Sultan, Qaboos bin Said received in his office Dr Saleh Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid, president of Saudi Consultation Council. They discussed aspects of cooperation between the Sultanate and Saudi Arabia. They also reviewed the Shoura Councils' experiment in both countries, a number of issues that are serving the interest of both countries' citizens as well as developments in the region in addition to matters of joint concern. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Qatabi, Chairman of the Omani Shoura Council ; Saif bin Mohammed Al Abri, Secretary-General of the Sultan's Representative's Office; Sheikh Fahd bin Majid Al Ma'amari, Deputy President of the Shoura Council, and Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman A'alem, the Saudi ambassador to the Sultanate. Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh al Mantheri, Chairman of Majlis Addawla, in Oman received Dr Saleh Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid, Chairman of Saudi Shoura Council, and his delegation. Dr Al Mantheri praised the level of bilateral relations, stressing the importance of such meetings and visits to further enhance these relations and exchange views on matters of common concern. He hoped the visit would further develop bilateral co-operation. The guest and his delegation hailed Oman's progress during the prosperous reign of Sultan Qaboos. They said their visit had enabled them to meet officials here to discuss matters of concern to the two countries. The meeting was attended by Shoura members, members of Shoura Council, the Saudi Ambassador to the Sultanate and officials. An official session of talks between the Shoura Council and the Saudi Consultation Council began in Muscat. The Omani side was headed by Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali al Qatabi, Chairman of the Shoura Council in Oman and Dr Saleh Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid, Chairman of Saudi Consultation Council. Al Qatabi stated that the visit by the Saudi official reflects the depth of relations between the two countries' wise leaderships and their brotherly countries under the continued care of Sultan Qaboos and King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Al Qatabi reviewed the Omani Shoura process, which embodies the partnership between the government and the people under the Sultan's continuous care and support. He gave a comprehensive description of the gradual development of the Shoura experiences which culminated in the setting up of the two Councils, represented by the Council of Oman. Al Qatabi highlighted the role of the Council in drafting the five-year developmental plans and reviewing the state's budget before its approval. The Saudi guest expressed his delight and admiration of Oman's continued development and progress, stating that he is looking forward to work in a harmonious manner that would serve the region's countries and peoples and progress and work towards enhancing the brotherly relations among the GCC states. He hailed the Shoura experience in Oman. He also gave an introduction on Saudi Consultation Council, its methods and prerogatives. He spoke about the aspects of joint action between Oman and Saudi Arabia and ways of enhancing it. The two sides praised the wise efforts of the wise leadership in Oman and Saudi Arabia in the interest, prosperity and progress of the two brotherly peoples. They hailed the recent decision to use both countries' IDs to travel across each other's borders. They also stressed on the importance of exchanging views between the Shoura Councils in both countries and the significance of continued consultation and co-ordination between the two countries in various spheres of joint concern. The session was attended from the Omani side by the deputies to the Shoura Council chairman, the secretary-general, members of the Shoura Office and chairmen of permanent committees, while the Saudi side was attended by the members accompanying the Saudi official and the Saudi Ambassador to the Sultanate. Dr Saleh Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid, Chairman of Saudi Shoura Council, and his delegation visited the Sultan"s Armed Forces Museum. They toured the museums various galleries and were briefed on the SAF history. The Saudi Guest in the visitors" book expressed his admiration of the magnificence of the museum and the essence of Omani heritage. Shoura Council Chairman Dr. Salih Ibn Humaid and the accompanying delegation had arrived in Muscat, Oman, on an official four-day visit. The visit comes in response to an invitation from Oman's Shoura Council Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Al Aatbi. Shoura Council Chairman Dr. Salih Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid and the accompanying delegation held a meeting with the Chairman of Oman's Shoura Council Sheikh Abdullah Ibn Ali Al-Qatbi. During the meeting, they discussed ways of enhancing expertise in the parliamentary field. Also, Dr. Ibn Humaid invited his Omani counterpart to visit the kingdom. On the other hand, Dr. Ibn Humaid met with Dr. Yahya Ibn Mahboudh Al-Munzari, Chairman of Oman's State Council. During the meeting, they discussed topics of mutual concern. The meetings were attended by Saudi Ambassador to Oman Abdullah Ibn Abdul Rahman A'lam and a number of Omani officials. The Shoura Council Chairman Dr. Salih Ibn Humaid and the accompanying delegation met with a number of omani officials. They included Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahd bin Mahmood Al Saeed, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salmi, and the Minister in Charge of Foreign Affairs Yosif bin Alawi bin Abdullah. During the separate meetings, issues of common interest were discussed. Meantime Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, minister responsible for foreign affairs, said the Sultanate had exerted considerable effort throughout the past years contributing to the GCC states' march. In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), prior to his departure for Qatar to take part in the fifth meeting of the foreign ministers of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue States, Alawi said the GCC states' celebration marking a quarter of a century since the council was established coupled with major developments and the overall Renaissance witnessed by the GCC states, thanks to the wisdom of the leaders who exerted sincere efforts to set up the council and foster its progress. Alawi added that the setting up of the GCC stemmed from the interests of the GCC citizens. He said the council has gone a long way towards unifying GCC laws. Alawi stated that the GCC infrastructure is now in a position to assist the member countries to become a major economic bloc in the next 10 years and thereafter enter into commercial and economical partnership with other partners. He also added that oil and gas revenues of the GCC states are being utilised in laying out new foundations for national economy. Alawi and his delegation were seen off by Mahmoud bin Ali Al Rahmah, head of the protocol department at the Foreign Ministry, and the Qatari ambassador to the Sultanate. On the other hand Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh met the envoy of the Omani Sultan, Hareb bin Said and his accompanying delegation who wer visiting Yemen to take part in the 16th anniversary of Unification Day. The Omani official conveyed the congratulations of the Omani Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed to President Saleh and Yemeni people, expressing best wishes of happiness and further progress for Yemen. In the meeting, they discussed the mutual cooperation between the two brotherly countries and means of enhancing it in different areas. President Saleh caused the Omani delegation to convey his regards to Sultan Qaboos, wishing to him and Omani people more progress.