January 27, 2006

IN AN INTERVIEW WITH THE INDIAN TV CHANNEL NDTV BEFORE THE START OF HIS ASIAN TOUR, THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES: INDIA AND PAKISTAN ARE FRIENDLY COUNTRIES WE HOPE THAT TRUE FRIENDSHIP IS RESTORED BETWEEN THEM. WE CAN PROVIDE ENERGY TO THE WHOLE WORLD. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz in an exclusive TV interview to NDTV, just ahead of the first trip to India by a Saudi monarch for 50 years, King Abdullah has broken the silence -- suggesting a dramatic upgrade in India-Saudi ties. The interview was conducted at his private desert camp outside Riyadh. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, was the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud spoke to Indian Television Channel NDTV on his visit to India, relations binding the two countries, a number of regional and international topics of common interest and issues of energy and terrorism. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz made the interview ahead of the start of his Asian tour. King Abdullah said that he looks forward to visiting India and his Indian friends and the friendly people of India. The Monarch described his visit to India as important since India has been a friend of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a long time. I, personally, and the Saudi people have had respect for India, he noted and looked forward that friendship will yield even more benefit than before. With regard to relations between India and Pakistan, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz said that our relationship with India is not related to Pakistan. Both countries are friendly with great ties. It is our hope that these two great nations of India and Pakistan manage to resolve their differences for mutual benefit and the benefit of others. He stressed that there is not interest for the two countries in disputes, noting that everything can be achieved by dialogue between the two countries to save their lives and economic losses. We hope that real friendship is restored between the two countries. Replying to another question that the Kingdom has been the greatest supporter of Pakistan and that the Kingdom and Saudi charities support extremist and terrorist organizations in Pakistan , the Monarch said as for relations with Pakistan they have been very good and we support the Pakistani government. As for terrorism, it is on the contrary he said and asked how a man can support an enemy. That is impossible, he noted. It is incredible and unacceptable allegations that we support terrorism. It is out of question at all that we assist terrorism. These people who allege this are liars. No one in the world wants to assist his enemy, the King said. In reply to a question on relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, King Abdullah said U.S.A. has been a friend of the Kingdom for more than 60 years and that friendship will not be affected by anything since the two peoples have had firm and good relations. He indicated that China and India are friends of the Kingdom and that friendship will not affect U.S. friendship. He pointed out that interests have been present all over the world. Regarding providing energy for India, King Abdullah said that we provide energy for India and all parts of the world. We prefer that oil prices be reduced since their increase is not in the interest of developing countries. We have the capabilities that enable us to provide India and other countries' requirements. The King affirmed that the Kingdom's oil reserves will not be affected after 15, 20 years or much more than that. Maybe most countries will be affected, but the Kingdom will never be affected since most fields have not been discovered yet. Responding to a question on reasons of oil rise in the markets, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz said he believes that oil companies are manipulating markets and that other reasons include the markets' demands and some refineries in some countries that have been unable to meet energy needs. He called on India to be prepared with enough refineries. Replying to another question if the Kingdom will take measures in OPEC to reduce oil prices, the King noted that differences have occurred in OPEC. The Kingdom and some friends have assisted to unite OPEC. Now we can not dissent and we do not like dissension in OPEC. We like to unite OPEC through consultation. With regard to Muslims in India, King Abdullah believed that rumuors being said about Muslims have been incorrect, hoping that our friends in India deal with Indian Muslims with transparency. In reply to another question on India's role in Islamic organizations such as Organization of Islamic Conference, he said, "Yes, I do believe that India can play a role in such an organization, just like Russia does. Russia has an observer status in the Organization of Islamic Conference and I believe that it will be very beneficial if India agrees with Pakistan to forward this the application. On reform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah said that all matters have been proceeding. The Kingdom is not such a great country as India, China, U.S.A. and others. How many years they have taken on the track of democracy and we have taken in nearly 75 years, he asked. We do not like to be in a hurry in our steps then retreat. We take firm steps and we have been proceeding on the track. With regard to women, he said that we have taught them. Job has been available for them and election has been held in some chambers of commerce, the King said and added that we have been proceeding on the track. We can not do anything against the demand of most peoples. First, we must convince the Saudi People and when they are convinced that will be our wish. On another topic, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz said that Muslim appreciates man whatever might be his religion. He asked what wars in the world have done except destruction and blood shedding. He stressed that Islam indicates that dialogue and understanding have been above everything and there are no wars since wars destroy and not construct. At the conclusion of the interview, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud sent his greetings to the Indian government and friendly peoples of India embracing various religions, noting that Muslim abhors violence. Then the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud replied to questions of an Indian reporter accompanying the TV Indian broadcaster. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques wished all success, prosperity and progress for the Indian people. On security, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz said security in the world is now as a whole. The world becomes small and what affects a part affects all. Replying to a question on India's contribution to security and stability in the Gulf region, the King affirmed that India is a great and friendly country and it undoubtedly can assist in this regard.