Deputy Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz today presided over

the regular weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, which reiterated the Kingdom's

support to the government of Indonesia in its endeavor to control the situation in East

Timor, noting that this former state has been afflicted with political turmoil and violence

after the rejection by certain groups of the result of the plebiscite that granted its

independence. The cabinet urged the world community to extend a supporting hand to the

Indonesian government in its efforts to restore security and stability in the region, and

quoted President Bahruddin Habibie as saying he would like to be given the chance to

enforce law and order in collaboration with the United Nations.

Crown Prince Abdullah then briefed the cabinet on the outcome of his recent talks in Riyadh

with Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed of Oman, saying their points of view were identical with

regard to all current developments at the regional, Arab and international levels. He added

that the two countries were accustomed to using their potentialities for the benefit of the

fair issues of all peoples of the world in order to realize security and stability for the

global community as well as the Islamic world.  Crown Prince Abdullah went on to review the

fundamental achievements accomplished by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the benefit

of its member states, all Arabs and Muslim, and the entire world. He welcomed the results

of the 72nd conference of the GCC ministerial council of foreign ministers recently

concluded in Riyadh.
Turning to external matters, the cabinet approved that the Minister of Foreign Affairs or

his representative discuss with the New Zealand side a draft agreement on economic,

commercial, investment and technical cooperation between the two countries.

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