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November 17, 2006 |
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PRINCE SULTAN: THE VISIT PROVES THE STRONG WILL TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC AND TRADE COOPERATION. THE CROWN PRINCE RECEIVES THE GREETINGS OF HIGH COMMANDERS AND OFFICERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. PRINCE SULTAN UNDERSCORES THE CLOSE RELATIONS BETWEEN GCC COUNTRIES. THE CABINET RENEWS THE KINGDOM'S CONDEMNATION OF ISRAEL'S CRIMINAL AGGRESSIONS AGAINST THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz chaired the cabinet's session at Al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh. At the outset of the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the Cabinet on the contacts and consultations he held over the previous days with some world leaders on the developments of events in the region and the world. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques pointed out that his meeting with Slovenia's Premier and the agreements signed between the two countries embody the intention of the two countries to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, especially in the economic and commercial spheres. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, the minister of state, cabinet's member for the Shoura Council affairs and Acting Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Saud Bin Saeed Al-Muthami said the Cabinet renewed the kingdom's condemnation of Israel's criminal aggressions against the Palestinian people and its having committed one of the most brutal massacres which resulted in killing innocent civilians, including children, elderly people and women. The Cabinet reiterated the kingdom's stand by the Palestinian people, called on the world community to swiftly move to put an end to the Israeli aggressions, and emphasized the necessity to convene an international conference to halt these massacres. The Cabinet stressed that all countries should work together and cooperate to enhance and strengthen security, stability, respect of international law and protection of civilians all over the world. The Cabinet regrets the use of veto by the United States of America to thwart the issuance of a resolution of the united nations security council denouncing Israeli crimes against the Palestinians. The Cabinet affirmed that such a procedure encourages Israel to continue impeding every opportunity of peace and to keep up its aggressive acts against the Palestinian people. With regard to Iraq's affairs, the Cabinet expressed its pain for the bloody events escalating daily, and emphasized that Iraq's security and stability will only be achieved by cooperation of all Iraqis and by combining their efforts so that Iraq's interest, preservation of the people's unity and territorial integrity prevail. Dr. Al-Muthami noted that the Cabinet was briefed on the outcome of the 1st international competition forum titled ''information technology stimulates competition'' held in Riyadh. The Kingdom initiated the launching of the forum to emphasize the importance of providing an appropriate climate for the growth of investment as an extension to the kingdom's way of supporting private investment and as an intensification of its efforts to improve the climate of local and foreign investment within the framework of a comprehensive program of the economic reform on the track of development and modernization. Acting Minister of Culture and Information said the cabinet then reviewed the local items on its agenda and issued the following decisions: Upon a recommendation of the minister of commerce and industry, the Cabinet approved the set up of a new stock company under the name "Jeddah company for development and constructional promotion". The Cabinet approved the appointment of Ibrahim Bin Ali Ibrahim Al Hasan as administrative consultant at the ministry of communications and information technology, and Yousef Bin Saad Bin Ibrahim Al Shethri as administrative consultant at the ministry of defense and aviation. Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General and Slovenia Prime Minister Janez Jansa co-chaired official talks. The talks were held following a dinner party hosted by the Crown Prince in honor of the Slovenian Premier and the accompanying delegation. It was attended by Prince Abdul Rahman Bin Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation, Prince Miteb Bin Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, other princes and senior officials. In an address at the official Saudi-Slovenian talks, Crown Prince Sultan hoped that the visit of the Slovenian Premier to the kingdom would yield positive results and lead to cementing economic and trade cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Slovenia. On his part, Janez Jansa reiterated Slovenia's keenness on enhancing relations with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Slovenia Prime Minister noted that he is accompanied by more than 65 businessmen who are keen on establishing 'fruitful' cooperation with their Saudi counterparts. The two sides reviewed the recent developments at regional and international arenas, notably the situation in the Palestinian territories, the situation in Iraq as well the bilateral relations between Slovenia and Saudi Arabia. On the Saudi side, the talks were attended by Prince Miteb Bin Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Prince Meqrin Bin Abdul Aziz, the President of the General Intelligence, and a number of senior officials. On the Slovenian side, the talks were attended by the premier's accompanying delegation. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Slovenia signed a cooperation agreement, which was inked by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Nizar Obeid Madani and Slovenian Minister of Economic Affairs Andrej Vizjak. The agreement aims at enhancing bilateral relations in economic, educational, scientific, technological, cultural, information, tourism, and youth and sports domains. On the other hand, Dr Madani signed along with his Slovenian counterpart a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for conducting political consultations between the Saudi and Slovenian foreign ministries in all political domains including international political developments, regional and international disputes and other related issues. Prime Minister Janas, who held talks with Crown Prince Sultan, oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Dr. Nizar Obaid Madani, state minister for foreign affairs and Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel and a subsequent general agreement between Dr. Madani and Slovenian Commerce Minister Amdrej Vizjak. At a dinner hosted by Prince Sultan, the prime minister said the purpose of his visit to the Kingdom was to improve cooperation between the two countries which would be of mutual benefit. Speaking to Saudi businessmen at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) at a reception held in his honor, Janas said the MOU is to enable both countries to conduct political. According to the MOU, he said the consultations would include international political developments, regional and international disputes and related issues. He explained that the general agreement would enhance bilateral relations in economic, educational, scientific, technological, cultural, information, tourism, youth and sports fields. The Prime Minister said the new agreements coupled with the visit of a large business delegation representing 40 companies to the Kingdom, would open a new chapter in Saudi-Slovenian relations. He pointed out that the two countries have great potential to develop business activities. Currently, he said Slovenian visas are issued by the Austrian Embassy in Riyadh and he would soon make arrangements to have political and economic representation in the Kingdom. Slovenia will hold the presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2008. CSCCI President Abdul Rahman Al-Rashid who presided over the businessmen's meeting, said the two countries have not done much in the field of trade. "The bilateral trade has remained at $22.7 million during the past seven years," he noted, adding that the reasons for the retarded progress in this field was mainly due to the nonexistence of diplomatic missions in each other's countries. "We call upon the two governments to initiate actions to open diplomatic missions in the two countries that would boost bilateral economic and political cooperation. "The Kingdom will have investment opportunities worth $624 billion in the coming years and these projects will include basic infrastructure projects for the economic cities, gas and petrochemical projects, desalination projects and construction of railway lines." He added that Saudi exports reach more than 120 international markets. Minister of Commerce and Industry Hashim Yamani said the two countries are strategically located to supply goods to a large group of importing countries."It's time that we got together to do better business to enable our joint efforts to bear fruits in the manufacturing fields." The premier also called on Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman and discussed matters of mutual interest. Austrian Ambassador Stift Friedrick was also present at the meeting with the Riyadh governor. The premier will open a joint venture factory at the Middle East Electric Meter Factory in the industrial area today. Some Saudis in the factory have undergone training in Slovenia. On another scale Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received at his office in Riyadh senior commanders and officers of the armed forces branches, led by General Salih Bin Ali Almohayya, Chief Of General Staff, who came to greet him and congratulate him on the blessed Eid Al Fitr. speaking to his guest, Crown Prince Sultan conveyed to them the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, the Supreme Commander-In-Chief of all military sectors. He explained why this Eid greetings exchange habit was delayed this year, citing the king's tour of several parts of the kingdom just following the Eid vacation. He underscored the importance of training for the land, air, air defense and navy and promised that the next budget will carry good news for the armed forces personnel in the field of housing. Crown Prince Sultan cited the state's low revenues three years ago and the costs of the war for the liberation of Kuwait in 1990 as among reasons for the financial problems the kingdom has faced over years. For the first time, development projects were equally distributed over the different parts of the kingdom, Crown Prince Sultan said, adding that King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz will have a tour of Tabuk, Al-Joaf and Ar'ar regions following this year's Hajj to lay the foundations stones of or open development projects in those region. Prince Sultan underscored the importance of the gulf countries inter-relations, calling for more solidarity and unity of the alliance. He explained the reasons behind the issuance of the recent pledge of allegiance of a new king and the appointment of a crown prince. he recalled that six months ahead of late king fahd Bin Abdul Aziz's death, a meeting took place between the then king fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz when the former asked the latter to elaborate article five of the basic system for governance on the choice of the king and his crown prince so that people will not be confused, particularly if one or both the King and Crown Prince pass away at one time. On his part, Al Mohayya thanked Crown Prince Sultan for the meeting and the important remarks he made, wishing him continuous health and happiness. The audience was attended by Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs, and General Dr. Ali Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Director General of the Defense Minister's Office. Crown Prince Sultan, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense and Aviation, emphasized the government's plan to ensure fair distribution of wealth by establishing new development projects all over the Kingdom. He also spoke highly of the new succession law and said it should set the minds of Saudi people at rest. Addressing top commanders of the armed forces in Riyadh, Prince Sultan underscored the close relations between GCC countries. He said the Kingdom had settled border problems with all its Gulf neighbors and noted the great role played by the Kingdom in liberating Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. "For the first time, there will be distribution of wealth among all of the Kingdom's regions involving all cities and villages and covering all sectors," the Saudi Press Agency quoted the crown prince as saying. He announced that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah would continue his tour of regions after the Hajj season and visit the northern regions of Tabuk, Al-Jouf and Arar. "Also all state revenues and budget surpluses will be distributed for the coming years through the Eighth Development Plan and later through the Ninth Development Plan," he added. Prince Sultan told the officers that he was not able to meet them during the Eid holidays as he was accompanying the king during his tour of the south, which took him to Najran, Asir and Jizan. Prince Sultan emphasized the importance of training for officers in all sectors of the armed forces. He noted the role of armed forces in defending the Kingdom, its people and sanctities. Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister Of Defense And Aviation And Inspector General, issued the following statement to the Saudi Press Agency: "Some circles have interpreted erroneously and contrary to the truth the remarks I made before the officers of the armed forces yesterday Tuesday, corresponding to the 23rd of Shawal 1427 H. (November 14, 2006) on the pledge of allegiance system. Accordingly, I found that it is my duty to clarify the truth so that it would not be subject to misinterpretation or wrong explanation. The idea of homage system has been initiated and presented by my brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah while he was Crown Prince to his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Late King Fahd (Allah bestow mercy upon his soul) and was included in his letter on the 2nd of Zulqaeda 1404 H. explaining his vision of this idea and its legitimate system. Late King Fahd responded in a letter on the 18th of Zulhijja 1404 H. saying that "certainly all, your highness, had mentioned of systems, I hope - God willing - will be appropriate and I will discuss it with you, particularly the idea of pledge of allegiance which your highness had proposed". As has been stated above, it is therefore clear that the idea has been initiated by King Abdullah and passed to his brother King Fahd within the exchange of ideas among the brothers and rulers on the day-to-day affairs of the state. But this idea, has not materialized for no particular reasons until my brother King Abdullah was crowned and brought the idea to light in the glorious month of Ramadan of this year, having scrutinized and studied it thoroughly over the previous period. God save my brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for the service of his religion, country, and his arab and Islamic nation". In New York the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has underscored the importance of enhancing understanding and cooperation among different countries and nations. Speaking on behalf of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia before the UN's General Assembly, Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister Plenipotentiary at the foreign ministry, said the kingdom has been extending generous assistance to victims of natural disasters throughout the world. He noted that the kingdom extended from 1975 to 2004 more than $4986 million as a relief assistance. 'In addition to that the kingdom has pledged to extend $1 billion as a contribution to the program of reconstruction of Iraq' he said noting that the kingdom has also extended $430 million in addition to $90 million popular assistance as a relief assistance to victims of tsunami in Asia as well as $2500 million to Lebanon. 'The kingdom has not only contributed to humanitarian assistance through bilateral channels and direct means, but it has also contributed to the international humanitarian efforts through specialized programs and organizations, and moreover it has extended to the regional and international development institutions more than $24 billion, he elaborated. Prince Mishal pointed out that the kingdom has pledged to extend $1 million to the UN's central fund, and at the same time the Saudi development fund has contributed with $4 million to the emergency program for the help of victims of natural disasters, an affiliate of the international monetary fund (IMF). Prince Mishal underscored the importance of enhancing the concepts of humanity, equality, justice and sustainable development accompanied with their health, educational, economic and social dimension so as to realize global stability, peace and security. 'There is an urgent need to the establishment of a partnership based on genuine cooperative contract and joint development convention between the north and south, and moreover there is an urgent need for increasing official humanitarian assistance', he said. He called for tackling the problems of debts of poor and semi-poor countries and boosting flow of direct foreign investments , and transference of technology to the developing countries as well as to seriously work for the liberation of international trade. Prince Mishal noted that the kingdom has joined the international efforts for fighting poverty and famine, and has extended so many economic assistances through its national funds and through the regional and international agencies as well as through bilateral agreements with the developing countries. 'The kingdom believes in coexistence and humanitarian solidarity as well as in constructive cooperation for the sake of the entire people', he said. He pointed out that the kingdom had extended as non-repayable assistance and soft humanitarian assistance through bilateral channels and multi-party channels more than $83.7 billion. He added that the aforesaid figure constitutes four percent of the kingdom's gross national product (GNP), which is considered as the highest rate. Prince Mishal said more than 87 developing countries in the various continents had benefited from the assistances extended by the kingdom. 'The assistances aims at boosting economic and social development, and helping these countries in developing their infrastructure projects', he noted. Moreover, Prince Mishal said the kingdom had pardoned more than $6 billion debts on the poor countries. Prince Mishal said oil is considered as an important strategic and economic commodity for both the developing and consuming countries. 'Realizing this fact, the kingdom has been wisely and reasonably tackling this issue so as to serve the interests of the oil producing countries without disregarding the interests of the international community', he added. 'The kingdom has been doing its best to ensure the stability of the oil prices and enhancing cooperation in this respect'. He added 'for realizing this purpose, the kingdom has established the Riyadh-based energy forum which will work as a channel of cooperation and dialogue between the oil producing and consuming countries. On the other hand and in implementation of the Directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz to assist the brotherly Lebanese people and reconstruct their villages, Saudi ambassador to Lebanon Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohieddin Khojah handed over the keys of the first housing compound in Eitroun Town in south Lebanon. In a speech ceremony held on this occasion, the ambassador reviewed the kingdom's assistance to Lebanon started with the king's support for Lebanon bank with $ 1 billion and $ 550 million for reconstruction, noting that the kingdom pledged to reconstruct 25 villages and provided assistance in various fields. Saudi aid to Lebanon remains ongoing in line with directives by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. Saudi assistance to Lebanon has included a contract with Ta'nail Hospital and the renting of a bakery in the Bekaa Valley as well as the distribution of thousands of loaves of bread, Director-General Mubarak Al-Bakr of the Saudi Popular Campaign for the Relief of the Lebanese People said. On the other Hand the Shoura Council held its 49th ordinary session under the chairmanship of its chairman Dr. Salih Bin Abdullah Bin Homaid. In a statement following the meeting, the Secretary General of the Council Dr. Salih Bin Abdullah Al Malik said the council approved a draft memorandum of understanding on the exchange of experience and expertise in the fields of juniors care, women, child and family welfare and developing domestic societies and productive families between the ministry of social affairs of the kingdom and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor of Yemen. Reviewing the annual report of he ministry of Islamic affairs, endowments, Dawa and Guidance for the fiscal year 1424 - 1425 H., the council approved the support for the Islamic call activity inside and outside the kingdom. The council also reviewed the annual report of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, recommending the opening of branch hospitals for the Riyadh-based facility. Regarding the annual report of the Saudi Development Fund, the council passed a number of recommendations including the establishment of an independent commission for exports finance. Discussion on the annual report of the commission for investigation and public prosecution will be completed in a future session, the secretary general said. Presided over by its Deputy Chairman Eng. Mahmoud Bin Abdullah Taibah, the Shoura council held its ordinary 48th session. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, the Council's Secretary General Dr. Salih Bin Abdullah Al Malik said that the council continued its deliberations on the draft regulation of supreme council of education and a draft regulation on universities and will continue discussion of the draft regulations in future sessions. |
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