Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz left

Buenos Aires yesterday and flew to Caracas for a state visit to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

During his visit, he will participate in the second summit of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting

Countries (OPEC) due to be held today. The summit, marking the 40th anniversary of the creation of the

cartel, is being held on the invitation of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias, who conducted a tour of

all member countries last month for that purpose. In addition to the eleven members, there will be

participants from Angola, Mexico, Norway, Oman, and Russia. The summit's primary aim is to strengthen

the cartel and agree on a common mechanism for creating a balance in the oil market in a manner that

protects the interests of both oil producers and oil consumers.

Before leaving Buenos Aires, Crown Prince Abdullah attended a reception for Arab Ambassadors accredited

to the Argentine Republic, and in an impromptu speech, reiterated that Islam does not tolerate terrorism

and stands against all subversive acts. He added that Islam is spreading, and has a bright and promising

future.

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