February 23, 2007

THE RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PAYS A FRUITFUL OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA. THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES REVIEWS WITH PUTIN THE DEVELOPMENTS ON THE REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ARENAS AND BILATERAL COOPERATION. KING ABDULLAH DECORATES PUTIN WITH KING ABDUL AZIZ MEDAL. CROWN PRINCE SULTAN REVIEWS WITH PUTIN REGIONAL AND WORLD ISSUES. THE SIGNING OF A NUMBER OF BILATERAL MOU'S AND AGREEMENTS. PRESIDENT PUTIN OPENS THE ECONOMIC SAUDI-RUSSIAN FORUM AND STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIP WITH SAUDI ARABIA TO COMPLY WITH THE NEEDS OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETS IN THE FIELS OF ENERGY. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and President Vladimir Putin of the Federal Republic of Russia co-chaired the official round of talks they held at the king's palace in Riyadh. At the outset of the meeting, King Abdullah decorated his guest - the Russian president with King Abdul Aziz Medal, Saudi Arabia's highest and prestigious one gifted to world's leaders and commanders. President Putin expressed his thanks and appreciations to King Abdullah on decorating him King Abdulaziz medal, affirming his sincere friendship to the King and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Putin noted his keenness on enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries. "I know your good stance, King Abdullah, towards bolstering Russian-Saudi ties and you have played a big role for Russia to take part in the Organization of the Islamic Conference," he said. Putin stated that Russia has historical and deep-rooted relations with the Arab world, noting that in recent years there have not been ideological differences between Russia and the Arab and Islamic countries. The Russian President affirmed that due to efforts of King Abdullah the bilateral relations between the two countries are substantially enhanced, expressing his thanks and appreciation to the King. For his part, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz expressed his thanks to President Putin, affirming that ties with Russia are deep-rooted. "Relations between the Saudi people and Russian people are more stronger as Russia is the first country to recognize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," King Abdullah said. "I see President Putin as a statesman who supports peace and justice. As such, the Kingdom has stretched its hand to have substantial friendship with Russia and days are ahead of us. We also expect honesty among friends and we are really the ones," the Kind added. The two sides discussed a number of topics on the regional and international arenas particularly the Palestinian cause, the situation in Iraq. They also explored aspects of cooperation between the two countries and ways to enhance them in all spheres. The Saudi side at the talks included Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General ; Prince Abdul-Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation; Prince Miteb Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh region; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the Secretary General of National security; and a number of other princes and senior officials. The Russian side was comprised of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Presidential Aide Sergei Prikhodko, Transport Minister Igor Levitin and well as senior officials. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz held a dinner party at his palace in Riyadh in honour of President Vladimir Putin of the Federal Republic of Russia and his accompanying delegation. The function was attended by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Bandar Bin Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman; Prince Abdullah Bin Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud; Prince Mit'eb Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of Assir Region; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; other princes, ministers and senior civil and military officials. President of the Federal Republic of Russia Vladimir Putin arrived in Riyadh on a two-day state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At King Khalid International Airport, he was received by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz who greeted the president and members of the accompanying delegation. Also receiving the Russian President were Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Mohammed Bin Ayyaf Al Miqren, Major of Riyadh region; senior protocol officials; Saudi Charge d'Affaires to Russia Ghazi Asaad Shirbeeni; and the Russian Ambassador to the Kingdom Victor Koder Yevtsiv. Putin and his delegation received warm red-carpet welcome. Putin was also received by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Mit'eb Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Bandar Bin Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Secretary General of the National Security Council; Prince Mohammed Bin Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs; Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Advisor to the king; ministers, senior civil and military officials and staff members of the Russian embassy in Riyadh. Following a brief rest at the airport, the King accompanied the Russian President to the guest residence. Putin was accompanied by a high-level delegation. In the presence of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed. The Minister of Finance Dr Ibrahim Al-Assaf and Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Shatalov signed an agreement for avoiding double taxation on income and capitals as well as prevention of escaping taxation between the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Russia. Meanwhile, Minister of culture and Information Iyad Madani and Mikhail Shvydkoi, the head of the Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography signed a MOU in the field of culture. On the other hand, the Minister of Finance and Chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Fund For Development (SFD) Dr Ibrahim Al-Assaf and President of the Bank of Foreign Economic Affairs in the Federal Russia Vladimir Demetriv signed a MOU for cooperation between the bank of the foreign economic affairs and the Exports and Imports Bank in Russia and the Saudi Fund for Development. Moreover, Iyad Madani and Director General of the News Agency in Russia Sevetlana Mironeyuke signed a cooperation agreement between the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and Ria Novosti -- the Russian International News Agency. Meanwhile, the President of the General Civil Aviation Commission, Eng. Abdullah Noor Rahimi and Russian Minister of Transport Igor Levitin signed an agreement for cooperation in the field of air transport. The signing ceremony was attended by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General; Prince Miteb Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, the Governor of Assir region, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, a number of other princes and senior officials. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, held a closed-door meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. They reviewed the latest developments at the regional and international arenas, notably the Palestinian cause and the situation in Iraq in addition to aspects of cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Russia. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General hosted at Al-Azizia Palace, a luncheon in honor of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his accompanying delegation. It was attended by Prince Abdul-Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation; Prince Miteb Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh region; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Chief of General Intelligence; and a number of other princes and senior officials. Meanwhile, President Putin paid a visit to King Abdul Aziz Historical Center where Saudi "Ardah" dance was also performed for the guests. Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the governor of Riyadh region, received the head of the Russian side at the Saudi Russian business Council Vladimir Yevtushenko. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by Prince Naif Bin Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz and Tariq Al-Qahtani, the head of the Saudi side at the Saudi Russian Business Council. Russian President Vladimir Putin inaugurated the Saudi-Russian Economic Forum. Speaking on the occasion, Putin said his current visit to the kingdom constitutes an important step towards developing relations between the two friendly countries. He noted that the talks he had held with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah were fruitful and had reiterated the keenness of the two countries on further cementing their bilateral relations in various domains. 'It is the first time for me to visit the kingdom - the cradle of Islam,' Putin said pointing out to the multi religions and sects existing in the Federal Russia, including Muslims. Putin expressed appreciation for the support extended by the kingdom to Russia to enjoy the status of observer at the OIC. 'Russia is determined to further enhance its relations with the Muslim countries notably the Arab countries', he said. He noted that the kingdom is an important country for Russian businessmen because they are aware of the need of the world economy to energy and fuel. "We are the allies of the kingdom in meeting the requirements of the world markets of energy', he said. Underscoring the importance of cementing economic relations between the two countries, he said the existing figures for trade exchange between the two countries don't necessarily reflect the investment opportunities available in the two countries. Pointing out to the contribution of a Russian company in gas drilling in the kingdom, Putin said Saudi Arabia and Russia are the pioneering countries in the field of oil export. He called for developing cooperation between the two countries in other domains like communications, transport and technology, and said Russia has an important experience in the field of railways, and that it is capable of developing the railways network in the kingdom. He drew attention to the earlier cooperation between the kingdom and Russia in the field of space. Putin emphasized the great attention given by the Russian government to the flow of the Saudi investments to Russia. On his part Abdul Rahman Al-Rashid, the Chairman of the Saudi chambers of commerce and industry, underlined the importance of cementing economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and enabling the businessmen from exploiting the available economic potentialities in the two countries. He noted that the volume of trade exchange between the kingdom and Russia jumped from only $88.5 million in 1999 to $412 million in 2005. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, received at his office, Russian Foreign Minister Sergi Lavrov. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of mutual concern. Minister of Culture and Information Iyad Madani received the head of the Russian Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography Mikhail Shvydkoi. They reviewed issues of mutual interest notably in the cultural and information spheres. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials. Minister of Finance Ibrahim Al-Assaf said that the agreement signed with the Russian Vice Minister of Finance Sergi Shanlov in the presence of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Russian President Valdimir Putin last night to avoid double taxation is regarded as the best option to enhance the investment environment between the two countries. "This agreement will provide transparency in the tax procedures, "noted the Finance Minister. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, the minister called on all investors to benefit from this agreement as well as the ones which were signed earlier with a number of countries such as Italy, China, Malaysia and Pakistan. He noted that the MoU signed with the Chairman of the Russian Bank of Foreign Economic Affairs Vladimir Demetriv aims as providing a cooperation mechanism between the concerned financial institutions in both countries to fund joint trade transactions pertaining to non-petrol exports and imports. "This will help the Saudi export to enter the Russian markets," he added. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud section for Islamic studies at the university of Moscow has made great strides since its establishment a bit more than one decade ago, a senior official at the section said. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Dimitri Fro Lvov, director of the section, said more than 400 students have been enrolled in the section, studying wide-range of fields of Islamic and Arab knowledge and culture. He said the section was witnessing an unprecedented scientific boom, thanks to the support and follow-up of Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Interior Minister and initiator of the class. Russian President Vladimir Putin left after an official two-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At the airport, he was seen off by Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Riyadh region, and other senior officials. In Doha at a press conference with the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, responding to a question whether Russia has rejected a proposal to set up an Opec-style organisation of gas-producing countries, the Russian president, who was on a day's working visit to Qatar, did not rule out the possibility of establishing such a cartel. "We have not rejected it. It is an interesting proposal," he said, while noting that closer co-ordination between the gas producing countries was necessary. The Emir said there was a big difference between the OPEC and any potential organisation of gas producers. "Oil prices go up and down while gas is sold at long-term contracts which can extend up to 20 years or more," the Emir said. He hoped that the coming international conference of gas producing countries would take up such issues for consideration. About Qatar-Russia co-operation, Putin said the two countries should develop a joint stance on gas-related issues. "It is very important for our two countries to co-ordinate their efforts in this regard. "There is a need to meet the rising global demand for gas and protect the interests of the gas-producing countries," Putin said, adding that a delegation of Russian experts would participate in the international gas conference in Doha in April. He said that Qatar and Russia were partners, not competitors, because they targeted different gas markets. The Russian president said that he had constructive talks with the Emir on bilateral relations and they explored the possibilities of developing them. "There is a convergence of viewpoints on many international issues. Both our countries firmly believe that all issues, even the complicated ones, can be solved by negotiations and peaceful means. We are also trying to develop our economic co-operation and realise significant achievements in this regard." He said Qatar Petroleum (QP) had signed a memorandum of understanding with Russian Lukoil company. "There are some other major Russian companies like Gasprom which are ready to take similar steps on co-operation." He said the prospects for taking Qatar-Russia co-operation ahead in the fields of energy, investment and technology were very bright."I have invited a Qatari delegation to visit Russia to explore the opportunities of co-operation in education, scientific research and other fields," he said. Putin said that Qatar and Russia had signed an agreement on setting up a business council to enhance economic co-operation and develop bilateral relations. "Both the Russian and Qatari businessmen are very keen on developing ties." To a question about the Russian call for an international peace conference on the Middle East, the Emir said that Qatar supported the Russian initiative in this regard. "We hope that this call will get a positive response from all the concerned parties." Referring to Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon, the Emir said: "Our region has been suffering much." On Qatari parliamentary elections, the Emir said that the minister of state for interior had made a statement to the Cabinet about identifying the constituencies a couple of weeks ago. "I think that this would be done soon." Putin invited the Emir to visit Russia. In Amman, Jordan and Russia in the presence of King Abdullah II and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signed four agreements. The agreements seek to expand the basis of cooperation in private and public sectors and increase the trade volumes between the two friendly countries. In the economic field, the two countries have signed an agreement to encourage and protect exchange investments between Russian and Jordanian businesspeople. The agreement was signed by Minister of Industry and Trade Salem Khaza'leh on behalf of Jordan and Russian Deputy Minister of Trade and Economic Development on behalf of Russia. Chairman of Amman Trade Chamber Hider Murad and President of Jordanian-Russian Business Council have signed an agreement, which seeks to bolster the role of private sector in both countries, and the agreement also aims at establishing the Jordanian-Russian Business Council. Murad told Jordan New Agency the agreement stipulates on exchanging visits, information and flowing of investments as well as establishing joint ventures. Chairman of Jordanian-Russian Business Council said the Russian investments in Jordan includes tourism sector. He unveiled that a hotel will be built at Dead Sea. On industrial and military cooperation, the two countries have signed an agreement under which Russia will provide Jordan with six helicopters of KA226. The $25million aircrafts will be used for medical, air shipment, and passengers. King Abdullah II held talks with the Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Amman on a two-day official visit to the Kingdom. The talks dealt with ways of boosting cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields. King Abdullah II described relations between the two countries as excellent, noting Jordan's willingness to continue cooperation with Russia. He also expressed Jordan's appreciation of Russia's support late last year, which was evident in its participation in hosting the future forum and in the joint cooperation with the King Abdullah Design and development Bureau (KADDB). The King and Putin also discussed a number of issues of common concern, including institutionalizing coordination in the political and economic fields, and encouraging Russian investors to invest in Jordan and enhance cooperation between the private sector of both countries. Talks also covered a number of regional and international issues. The King said that Jordan values Russia's contribution to achieving security in the Middle East. He added there was an opportunity to exert efforts to achieve comprehensive peace in the Middle East, noting the importance of Russia's role in its capacity as member of the International Quartet. The King briefed Putin on Jordan's position on the proposed international conference for peace, adding Jordan supports any effort, provided that it leads to the establishment of peace. King Abdullah II said the Arab peace initiative adopted during the Beirut summit in 2002, forms a good base for permanent, just and comprehensive peace for the Arab-Israeli conflict. The two leaders agreed on the need to accelerate negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis leading to the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state. They expressed deep concern over the situation in the Palestinian lands and the unilateral actions taken by Israel, particularly in Jerusalem. The King and Putin also voiced concern over the situation in Iraq, stressing the importance of achieving unity, stability and security in that country. Talks also covered the international tension over Iran's nuclear program. Both Jordan and Russia called for a halt to the spread of nuclear arms and weapons of mass destruction. For his part, Putin described his talks with King Abdullah as 'fruitful and constructive', adding that he and King Abdullah have reviewed the bilateral relations and means of enhancing them. The two sides came up with a joint Jordanian-Russian statement on the ways of enhancing relations in the various spheres. Putin extended thanks and appreciation to the King over the hospitality, saying that no one feels homesickness while in Jordan. Putin affirmed the importance that Russia attaches to the economic relations with the Arab world. Therefore, Putin considered signing an agreement, in the presence of His Majesty the King, to set up the Russian-Jordanian Business Council, as an impetus to the Arab-Russian Business Council, which was established three years ago at the aimed of strengthening bilateral relations between the private sector of both sides and the relations at the governmental level. Putin also pointed out the importance attached by his country to enhance peace, stability and security in the Middle East, adding that it was in the center of his talks with King Abdullah. Regarding the international peace conference, proposed by Russia two years ago, President Putin emphasized the need of preparing well for this conference, stressing the need that the conference's Agenda should include every way for peace in the Middle East; peace between Israel on the one hand and Palestine, Syria and Lebanon on the other. On terrorism, Putin affirmed that he and the King agreed that terrorism has no religion or nationality, noting that his tour in the Middle East opened new vistas in the relations with the Arab world and helped to promote understanding with these countries. President Putin valued the decision of the King granting the Russian Orthodox Church a place near the baptism site offshore Jordan River, affirming that Jordan has not closed a sacred place of any religion and that the Christians appreciate Jordan over its openness. At the end of talks between King Abdullah II and the Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Basman Palace, a Jordanian-Russian joint statement has been issued on strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries in all political, security, economic and cultural areas as an expression of their concern to promote these relations for the interest of both nations. The two sides in the joint statement a central conflict the Palestinian-Israeli and the need to resolve this conflict S AS the two countries and address the issues of the final solution on the basis of the Arab peace initiative, the road map and resolutions of the G7 Les security as a key President to address the most important regional crises that threaten the security and stability of Alment Ka and the elimination of extremism and terrorism. And the two sides rejected attempts to solve the regional and international disputes by the use of force, affirming that they would continue exerting efforts to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East. With regard to the bilateral cooperation, the two countries expressed satisfaction with the level of relations, and their keenness on strengthening cooperation in various fields, particularly the trade, economic, cultural, tourism fields, and on encouraging the implementation of joint projects and programs, and activating cooperation between the private sectors in both countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his satisfaction over the results of his talks with the leaders of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan. In a press conference, President Putin said that his country wants to enhance Arab Russian relations in all fields. He emphasized the necessity for supporting efforts aiming to achieve just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region on all Palestinian-Syrian-Lebanese tracks according to international legitimacy resolutions. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas held talks at Queen Alia Int'l airport during which they discussed the latest developments in Palestine and means to push peace process forward on the light of Makkah agreement. Putin remarked that his meeting with King Abdullah and his discussions in Saudi Arabia and Qatar started and closed with Palestinian issue. Abbas briefed the Russian president on Makkah agreement. He said Makkah agreement came in proper time to prepare the climate and helps form the Palestinian national unity government. Furthermore, Abbas underlined the key role of Russia to push the peace process to end the Palestinian people suffering and establish their independent state. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was on regional tour that took him to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, concluded a two-day visit to Jordan.