In Paris today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal briefed reporters on the issues that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz discussed during his visits to Spain and France. The meetings with Spanish and French leaders focused on Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq, the prince said.

During talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, King Abdullah devoted particular attention to the situation in Lebanon, Prince Saud said. The foreign minister added that he did not see any shift in French policy towards Lebanon.

In addition, President Sarkozy confirmed that France remains a friend of the Arab world and that it would like to continue enhancing relations with Saudi Arabia, the foreign minister noted.  

Turning to the situation in the Palestinian territories, Prince Saud said that Saudi Arabia has spared no effort in addressing the issue, and that it is concerned with stopping the bloodshed there. He reiterated that all Arab efforts would come to nothing unless the warring Palestinian factions can reach an agreement themselves.

Addressing the crisis over Iran’s nuclear program, the foreign minister reiterated the Kingdom’s position advocating a Gulf region free of weapons of mass destruction. The Kingdom prefers a policy of dialogue rather than provocation, he said.

The King is currently on a five-nation tour that also includes stops in Poland, Egypt and Jordan.

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