February 10, 2006

AT HIS MEETING WITH THE PRESS: KING ABDULLAH IBN ABDUL AZIZ: PAKISTAN IS A BROTHERLY COUNTRY AND OUR RELATIONS WITH INDIA WILL HELP INDO-PAKISTANI RELATIONS. THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES TOURS HONG KONG'S LANDMARKS. KING ABDULLAH: ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF TOLERANCE, LOVE AND PEACE, MUSLIM YOUTH SHOULD IMBIBE THE SPIRIT OF ISLAMIC FAITH, ITS TOLERANCE AND MODERATENESS. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz said that his recent visits to China and India as part of a four-nation Asian tour were successful by all standards. "The leaders of the two countries have expressed their desire to strengthen their relations with Saudi Arabia," the king told editors in chief of Saudi newspapers and magazines. King Abdullah was satisfied over the outcome of his visits to China and India. "I wished to start my tour with these two countries because I believe that strengthening relations with them will be in the interest of the Kingdom," he said. He praised the economic development achieved by China as well as the dramatic changes in its policies. "The agreements which we have reached with China and India reflect the right stand taken by the Kingdom toward the two countries." King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz emphasized Saudi Arabia's strong relations with Pakistan. "Pakistan is a brotherly country of the Kingdom and I have told this to our friends in India who have understood this Saudi position. Our relations with India will help Indo-Pak relations," he said. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said Saudi Arabia's relations with the United States were in the best form since his last visit to the country in April 2005, when he met President George W. Bush. "Our viewpoints were identical on issues discussed with Bush," he added. Asked about foreign media reports that accuse Saudi Arabia of funding terrorism, Abdullah said: "This is utter nonsense. How can we support our enemies? I have told this fact to world leaders. Saudi Arabia has suffered a lot by terrorism, more than any other country." He also spoke about Riyadh's successful campaigns to root out terrorism and its efforts to dry up its financial sources. The Monarch said his current tour was aimed at enhancing the welfare and prosperity of Saudi people as it would open new horizons for industrial and commercial exchange with countries that have made rapid strides in various sectors. "I will continue these efforts in the service of the Kingdom and its people," he said. "I am in favor of objective criticism based on facts. But I don't like sensationalism and provocative reporting." King Abdullah also answered questions from the editors and heard their comments on his visits to China and India on the basis of viewpoints expressed by their counterparts in both countries. On the other hand the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud arrived in Hong Kong coming from New Delhi. The King was received at the airport by Vice Executive President of Hong Kong's government Rafael Hoi, senior officials, Saudi Consul General in Hong Kong Alaa Eldine Al Askary, chairmen of Islamic organizations, Consuls General accredited to Hong Kong, and Saudi Aramco personnel. King Abdullah was accompanied by his official delegation. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques made a tour of Hong Kong City visiting its important landmarks. The King, who was accompanied by his official accompanying delegation, was briefed on the urban development in the city. The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz left Hong Kong for an official visit to Malaysia in response to an invitation extended to him by King Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail. The King was seen off at Hong Kong's international airport by Chief of Presidential Protocol Henry Tshan; Chief of Protocol Tony Nuwail and Saudi Consul General in Hong Kong ambassador Alaa Eldine Al Askari as well as a number of senior officials. The King was accompanied by an official delegation. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received members of the official delegation including princes and ministers, and chief editors of Saudi newspapers and magazines. A New-Delhi based Islamic Indian university awarded the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud an honorary PhD degree. Upon arrival at the venue, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz was received by the Minister of Human Resources Minister R. John Sing; the Principal of Millia Islamic University Fakhroddin Taher Bahae'e Khoraki Wala; the University's Manager Professor Musheer Alhasan and senior officials. A cultural show by the university's students was presented to mark the occasion. In a key address before the elite gathering, Wala said India accommodates some 150 million Muslims who enjoy equal rights to other Indian ethnic and religious groups. He cited that King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has set up two giant libraries in Riyadh and Casablanca, Morocco. He congratulated the king on the accession of the Kingdom to the WTO. On his part, King Abdullah thanked the university for the high-level recognition, wishing its managers and personnel every success. Islam is a religion of tolerance, love and peace, as you know, but an extremist group was committing crimes in the name of our religion, he said, asking every body to differentiate between true Islam and forged claims by such groups. The king was awarded the degree at a special convocation ceremony attended by over 10,000 invitees. The degree was given in appreciation of the king's contributions to regional and international peace and development and for his efforts to promote Indo-Saudi ties. King Abdullah thanked the university for conferring the degree on him. "Islam is a religion of mercy, love and benevolence. The criminal acts committed by a small extremist group have nothing to do with this great religion and its eternal principles," Abdullah told the gathering. Islamic universities should play a big role in explaining the true teachings of this religion, he said and urged Muslim youth to imbibe the spirit of Islamic faith, its tolerance and moderateness. Since its inception in 1920, Jamia Millia Islamia has emerged as one of the leading institutions of higher learning in the country. Jamia, which has no minority character, was made a deemed university in 1963 and then declared a central university in 1988 by a special act of Parliament. It has currently on its rolls 12,000 students, including Saudis. The development of a strategic energy partnership was another milestone during the king's visit with Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil producer that supplies nearly 30 percent of India's crude oil, assuring India that it will continue to be "a trusted and reliable source of oil." Riyadh's stability in the oil market and support for an Indian initiative to start a regional forum for dialogue among Asian oil and gas producers and consumers were significant pointers to this partnership. The energy partnership will include reliable, stable and increased volume of crude oil supplies, through long-term contracts and cooperative and joint ventures, both in the public and private sectors, in the upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors in India and Saudi Arabia as well as in third countries. Energy cooperation will also include Saudi investments in oil refining, marketing and storage in India and the setting up of Indo-Saudi ventures for gas-based fertilizer plants in Saudi Arabia. India will assist in setting up an ICT Center of Excellence as well as institutes of higher learning in Saudi Arabia and encourage Saudi students to pursue postgraduate and doctorate level studies in technical institutions in India. In a related development, Saudi Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Al-Naimi, who is accompanying the king, said oil prices were unlikely to fall in the near term because of factors beyond market control. "I have no control over prices. We accept that they're high, and of course, we want them to come down," Naimi told reporters. "But they're not going to come down because there are many issues, (even though) supply and demand are balanced," he said. Saudi Arabia currently supplies nearly 175 million barrels of crude oil a year. "Oil companies of the two countries would decide a future increase in oil supplies from Saudi Arabia to India," said Talmeez Ahmed of India's Petroleum and Chemicals Ministry. Before signing the declaration, King Abdullah was received by Congress party President Sonia Gandhi. The king also held wide-ranging talks with Sonia, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Indian vice president and Lal Krishna Advani, the leader of opposition. "The talks focused on bilateral and regional issues with special reference to historical Saudi-Indian ties, which have once again been rediscovered," Ghamdi told Arab News. "The meeting with Sonia Gandhi was very cordial and frank," said Ghamdi, who expressed his happiness over the success of the royal visit. During the meetings King Abdullah thanked the government and people of India for the generous hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation during the visit, lauding the positive outcome of the visit during his meetings with the Indian President and Prime Minister. The audiences were attended by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Adel Al-Jubeir, Advisor at the Royal Court; Saudi Ambassador to India Salih Ibn Mohammed Al-Ghamdi; and Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom Mohammed Othman Farooq. E. Ahamed, Indian minister of state for external affairs, said the joint declaration reflected the "mutuality of interests as the two countries sought to forge alliance and find new ways and means to expand their relations in all sectors." Fawaz Al-Hokair, a Saudi businessman, said the visit had changed the Saudi perception about India and India's perception about Saudi Arabia. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud concluded his four-day historic visit to India by signing a landmark declaration that committed the two countries to develop a strategic energy partnership. King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Dr. Manmohan Sing, Prime Minister of India, co-signed Delhi Declaration to mark the end of the Saudi king's state visit to India. Upon arrival at Hyderabad palace, the king was received by India's Prime Minister who guided him to the signing room at the palace. Following the singing of the declaration, they exchanged the signed documents. "The joint declaration signed by the king and Manmohan Singh will open a new chapter in ties between Riyadh and New Delhi," said Saleh Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, Saudi ambassador to India. Here is the full text of the declaration: "Delhi Declaration The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held historic meetings with the President of the Republic of India, His Excellency Dr. A. P. J. Abul Kalam and the Prime Minister of the Republic of India His Excellency Dr. Manmouhan Singh during his State visit to the Republic of India from 24-27 January, 2006. The two sides exchanged views and had in-depth discussions that touched upon the mutual interests of both countries as well as the security, stability, peace and prosperity in the whole region. Realizing that this visit heralds a new era in India-Saudi Arabia relations and constitutes a landmark in the development of increased understanding and cooperation between the two countries and creation of a mutually beneficial partnership, Reflecting the view that both countries are developing a broad strategic vision, and are determined to work together closely for the welfare and benefit of their peoples and for peace and stability in the region and the world, Desirous of building upon and expanding the close ties and friendship and the many commonalties between the two countries and peoples, Affirming their commitment to the ideals of tolerance, harmony and diversity between societies and the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, Conscious of their responsibility for promoting peace, stability and security into he region and the world, Recognizing the close inter-linkage of stability and security of the Gulf region and the Indian sub-continent and the need for maintaining a secure and peaceful environment for the development of the countries in the region, Desirous of further strengthening people-to-people ties, The two sides have agreed as follows: Exchanges of high-level bilateral visits and consultations should be intensified in order to give an impetus to and expand the scope of bilateral cooperation and understanding, Terrorism is a scourge for all mankind and there is a need to intensify and coordinate bilateral, regional and global cooperation to combat and eradicate the menace of terrorism. The two Governments would closely and actively cooperate to fight the menace of terrorism and other transnational crimes like money laundering, drugs and arms smuggling in a sustained and comprehensive manner. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Saudi Arabia and India on Combating Crime will help in the fight against terrorism, extremism and criminal elements. The two countries shall make concerted efforts for an early realization of the proposals to conclude a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which is before the UN General Assembly, and the stetting up of an international Counter-Terrorism Center as called for by the International Conference on Counter-Terrorism held in Riyadh in February 2005, in response to the idea proposed by King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud. To expand and diversify mutual trade and investments and , noting with satisfaction the sighing of agreements regarding Promotion and Protection of Investments and Avoidance of Double Taxation, called for the exploration of investment opportunities in all sectors, including infrastructure, in both countries. Both sides affirmed the importance of stability in the oil market for the world economy. The Indian side expressed understanding and appreciation of the balanced petroleum policy of Saudi Arabia which is considered a trusted and reliable source of oil supplies to international markets in general and the Indian market in particular. In this context, the Saudi side appreciatied the Indian initiative to initiate a regional forum for dialogue among Asian oil and gas producers and consumers. Both countries will develop a strategic energy partnership based on complementarity and interdependence. The elements of this partnership would include , inter alia: - Reliable, stable and increased volume of crude oil supplies, through "evergreen" long-term contracts. - Cooperative and joint ventures, both in the Public and private sectors, in the upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors in India and Saudi Arabia as well as in third countries. - Saudi investments in oil refining, marketing and storage in India , subject to commercial viability. - Setting up of India-Saudi ventures for gas-based fertilizer plants in Saudi Arabia. The two governments would encourage and support entrepreneurs in both countries to harness each other's strengths for mutual benefit and promote economic cooperation actively. The two countries would work for closer cooperation in the field of technology, in particular in the field of information and communication technology, agriculture , bio-technology, and non-conventional energy technologies. India will assist in setting up an ICT Centre of Excellence as well as institutes of higher learning, involving both education and research, in the field of technology in Saudi Arabia. India would offer opportunities for Saudi students to pursue Post-Graduate and Doctorate level studies in technical institutions in India, and enhance cooperation in human resource development related to telecommunications. It was agreed that an Educational Exchange Programme between the two countries should be finalized and concluded at an early date. The two countries would explore the prospects of cooperation in the health sector to realize the promising possibilities for enhancing cooperation in this sector, including health services, exchange of health personnel, health education and pharmaceuticals. It was agreed that cooperation in the field of science and technology, tourism, youth affairs and sport, agriculture research and education, technical education and vocational training and other fields of mutual benefit should be intensified through signing of agreements and memorandum of understanding as necessary. The two sides agreed to cultivate and encourage cultural exchanges between the two countries, both at official and popular levels. The meetings of the bilateral Joint Commission will be held frequently and regularly, and the next meeting of the Joint Commission to be held later in 2006 has been tasked to ensure follow-up and implementation of the decisions taken by the two leaders during King Abdullah's visit to India. In the field of political cooperation, both sides exchanged views about international developments, especially those related to the Middle east, and affirmed their commitment to the principles of international legality and the importance of maintaining international peace and stability. The two sides agreed to work together towards resolving outstanding conflicts in the world through peaceful means. Both countries emphasized the importance of the Beirut Arab Peace Initiative and the Road Map. They realized that the complementarity between the two plans would invigorate the peace process in the Middle East, and lead to the establishment of a viable and independent State of Palestine living in peace and prosperity within secure borders side by side with Israel. With regard to the Iraqi situation, both sides expressed their hope that Iraq would turn a new page in history that would assure its security, unity, territorial integrity and prosperity, and respect for its sovereignty and independence. The two sides welcomed the ongoing dialogue between India and Pakistan and their continued efforts aimed at settling the outstanding issues between the two countries. Done in New Delhi on the 27th of January, 2006 corresponding to 27th of 12, 1426 H. Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of the Republic of India. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz attended a reception party held by the Indian President Abu Baker Zein Alabidine Abulkalam at the garden of the presidential palace in New Delhi to mark the occasion of India's Day of the Republic. During the function, the king also shook hands with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh; India's former presidents and prime ministers, government ministers; senior dignitaries; Indian Islamic dignitaries and leaders; senior invitees and diplomatic corps accredited to India. They expressed pleasure of meeting the king and pride of his participation in the celebrations to mark the Day of the Republic of India, confirming that the visit will contribute to enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries. King Abdullah and the Indian President then held a round of talks in continuation of the discussion of the topics raised earlier during meetings of King Abdullah with Indian officials. The reception and the meeting were attended by the King's official accompanying delegation and a number of Indian officials. A number of Indian newspapers highlighted the importance of the visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to India saying that it is a great step towards bolstering the bilateral relations at all levels. The Indian newspapers hailed the results of the visit, especially the economic agreements between the two countries adding that the relations are more than "oil-pilgrims" relations. The Times of India underlined the significance of the bilateral meetings and said these have opened new horizons for partnership in the fields of oil, terror-combating and investments exchange. "The King has affirmed that the visit will have a positive impact on hikes in joint investment and the growing bilateral relations," it added. In the same context, The Asian Page newspaper highlighted in its opening page the positive results of the visit which aims at strengthening the ties between the two countries in all fields. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud left New Delhi, concluding a several day state visit to India at an invitation of President A. P. J. Abul Kalam of India. The King was seen off at the air base by Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, who shook hands with him at the plane's foot, wishing him safe and good journey. The monarch was also seen off by India's Minister of Information Baria Rangen Dasi Minshi, who was guiding the delegation; Saudi Ambassador to India Salih bin Mohammed Al Ghamdi; Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom Mohammed Othman Farooq; a number of government officials and Saudi embassy staff members. King Abdullah was accompanied by his official delegation. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received Arab ambassadors and heads of the diplomatic missions in new Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, Sudanese Ambassador to India and dean of the Arab diplomatic corps Abdul Mahmoud Abdul-Haleem expressed appreciation for meeting King Abdullah, and said the visit of the Saudi Monarch to India would have a positive impact on the Arab, Islamic and international problems. He noted that Arab-Indian relations are "deep-rooted." 'India is aware of the fact that you are a statesman and one of the wise rulers in this contemporary time, and we know that you are one of the builders of the Saudi renaissance', he said. The Sudanese Ambassador pointed out that the meeting of King Abdullah with the ambassadors and heads of the diplomatic missions reflects his concern about the joint Arab work and his keenness on getting acquainted with the affairs of his Arab brethren in India. On his part, King Abdullah said "I am one of the members of the Arab and Muslim nation" adding that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an indivisible part of the Arab and Muslim world. "Islam has been a major factor in unifying Arabs." King Abdullah pointed out that 'with the grace of Almighty Allah, "we do respect all prophets and never differentiate among them." The King hoped hat the Arabs would be united in a realistic manner, adding that no problem exists among Arabs, but evil quarters have been hatching plots against them to divide their ranks. Underling the importance of closing Arab ranks, King Abdullah said 'we are untied with bonds of blood and belief, and we will work together until truth will triumph." The King lauded the warm welcome given to him during his visit to India, and said he had reviewed a number of important topics during the visit, adding that 'several agreements were signed for the service of mutual interest and the interests of the Arab world'. The audience was attended by Prince Saud Al Faisal, the foreign minister, Prince Meqrin Ibn Abdul Aziz, the president of the general intelligence, Adil Al Jubeir, the advisor at the Royal court, and Saudi ambassador to India Salih al-Ghamdi. Saudi Minister of finance Dr Ibrahim Al Assaf has underscored the importance of the visit of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to India, and said the visit has embodied the keenness of the King on further enhancing bilateral relations. Speaking at the New Delhi-based Institute of Economic Growth yesterday, Dr Al Assaf said the developments being passed by the Saudi economy will make it possible to enhance bilateral relations with India. He noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been employing a large number of Indians, and the remittances of these Indian expatriates constitute an important source of foreign currency for India. 'In addition to this, the Kingdom constitutes an important source for the Indian petroleum imports', he said. Dr Al Assaf highlighted the Kingdom's wise petroleum policy, and said the Kingdom is keen on avoiding price fluctuations which have an adverse impact on the world economic growth and on investments in the petroleum sector in the petroleum producing countries. Dr Al Assaf said the Kingdom has been working to increase the productive capacity of its petroleum through allocation of $50 billion so as to increase the production to 12.5 million barrels per day by 2009 as well as to increase the capacity of the refineries. On the economic relations with India, Dr Al Assaf said the Kingdom is the biggest source for crude petroleum in the world, and India is a major importer of petroleum. It is worth mentioning that the Institute of Economic Growth, established in1958, is a governmental institute, and it is concerned with researches and training in the field of economy. The Institute which includes a number economic and sociology experts, works under the supervision of the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.