Mideast peace push focus of No. 10 talks
Published: 1st November 2007
LONDON: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia had a "meeting of minds" in talks last night with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on taking forward the Middle East peace process. On the second official day of the king's state visit, the two leaders had "very positive" discussions on Middle East regional issues. The talks were held at Brown's office in Downing Street in London. "They also talked about education internationally as one of the ways of combating extremism and terrorism," a spokesman said.
King Abdullah later held talks with Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, and David Cameron, the main opposition Conservative Party's leader.
* King Abdullah will make an unprecedented visit to the Vatican next week. He will have an audience with Pope Benedict XVI on November 6.
Queen hails Riyadh's peace role
LONDON: British monarch Queen Elizabeth has praised Saudi Arabia for its fight against terrorism and its campaign for peace in the Middle East.
She was speaking as she hosted a state banquet for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah during his official visit to London.
The Queen called for stronger co-operation and increased mutual understanding, to combat those who seek to use religion to divide the world.
"Our friendly relations go back many years. There are times when we have worked together against threats to our common security," she told King Abdullah in her speech at the banquet.
"And whilst times change, I believe that the links and knowledge, the experience and the friendships that have been built up over the last hundred years still stand us in good stead today and will do in the future.
"We have shared values that stem from two great religious traditions based on Abrahamic faiths.
"In a world where some people seek to exploit religion to undermine our
societies, we must continue to work together to promote common values, strengthen mutual understanding, and encourage appreciation of what is best in both our cultures."
The Queen praised Saudi Arabia's progress and role in the Middle East peace drive. "We have watched with great interest your work to lead the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia forward, whilst respecting its traditions and deeply held beliefs,"
she said.
"We have appreciated and admired Saudi Arabia's role in the search for a peaceful solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, in particular Your Majesty's own personal contribution through the Arab Peace Initiative. We will continue to support your efforts in the cause of peace in the region."
Relations between the two countries go back many years, said the Queen. "Many British people have benefited from Saudi hospitality over the years as traders, experts and advisers," she said.
"Twenty-five thousand British nationals carry out pilgrimage annually to Mecca and to Medina and they are particularly grateful for the enormous effort that the Saudi authorities put
into ensuring a safe and
successful visit.
"The relationship between us has grown deeper and wider as you are working to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy.
"The two-way exchange of trade and investment is flourishing, with this country now benefiting from inward investment from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while links between our armed forces are stronger than ever.
"Co-operation in education and training is expanding with the welcome help and encouragement of the British Council.
"We also continue to work together against the terrorists who threaten the way of life of our citizens in both countries, and in the search for a more peaceful and stable Middle East, to the benefit of all its peoples.
November 1, 2007
Pope to meet King Abdullah of Saudi
Richard Owen in Rome
Pope Benedict XVI is to meet King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia next week in the first talks between a Saudi monarch and a Pope.
The Vatican said the uprecedented meeting would take place at the Vatican on Tuesday. King Abdullah has been paying a visit to Britain as part of a European tour. The Pope has sought to promote Christian-Muslim dialogue, and last month October opened a three day inter faith conference at Naples which included Muslim representatives.
The Vatican does not have formal diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, and relations have been strained, with the Holy See demanding "reciprocity" in religious observance. While Muslims are free to practice their faith in the West Christians are not given the same rights in Saudi Arabia. Bibles and crosses are confiscated at the border.
From the Muslim point of view tensions were increased by the Pope himself last year after Benedict, speaking at Regensburg University in his native Bavaria, quoted from a Byzantine Emperor who had suggested Islam was inherently violent. He said he was misunderstood and later expressed his esteem for Muslims.
Last month the Pope met the Saudi Foreign Minister at Castalgandolfo, his summer residence outside Rome, to discuss the Middle East and the "defence of religious and moral values".
PEACE AND SAFETY
