In his press conference yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal spoke of the significant role played by the late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz in the service of international as well as Arab and Muslim causes. On oil, for example, King Fahd adopted a realistic policy serving both consumers and producers; and his policy on development was that it should be within the framework of the nation's deep-rooted traditions and norms. Such policies, said Prince Saud, will remain in place: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz will take the same line as King Fahd. Prince Saud stated categorically: “There will be no basic changes in the Kingdom's foreign policy.”
Referring to Saudi-U.S. relations as excellent, Prince Saud gave assurances that they will further improve. He went on to point out the Kingdom’s confidence in its institutions, and the trust that exists between the people and their leaders. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s success in the war on terrorism, and reiterated the Kingdom’s determination to tackle its roots and causes. In answer to questions, he confirmed that Saudi Arabia is working closely with the United Kingdom on security issues, and agreed that Osama bin Laden bears full responsibility for the deaths of many Muslims.
Explaining the process of pledging allegiance to King Abdullah, Prince Saud said it is a contract between the people and the leader, whose support by the people is assured “as long as the leader follows the path of the religion (Islam) and the principles of justice”. Ever since the reign of the Kingdom's founder King Abdulaziz, the transfer of power, he said, has taken place smoothly.
Return