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Riyadh: Saudi Arabia and Italy will review the situation in the region as well as economic issues of joint interest during the talks due to be held tomorrow between King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and Italian President Romano Prodi.
The Saudi-Italian talks will be attended by Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Interior Minister Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal as well as other high-ranking Saudi and Italian officials.
Italian ambassador to Saudi Arabia Eugenio d'Auria said the visit aims at boosting the Saudi-Italian relations and reviewing the situation in the region following the Arab Summit held in Riyadh last month.
Lebanon issue
Speaking during a press conference yesterday, d'Auria noted that the Saudi-Italian talks will focus on the crisis in Lebanon and ways to restore stability in that country and prevent foreign intervention.
In July 2006, Prodi hosted an international conference on Lebanon. As a result of the conference the UN Security Council issued its resolution 1701. Italy has sent troops to the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon.
The Italian ambassador to Saudi Arabia pointed out that the Italian President will address the Saudi Shura (Consultative) Council and will visit the Chamber of Commerce.
Trade exchange between Saudi Arabia and Italy exceeded $8.3 billion (about Dh30 billion) in 2006. Italy was among its top trade partner among the European Union countries.
Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will start a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on April 28.
The Japanese premier and the Saudi leadership will discuss ways to strengthen their strategic partnership as well as review the latest developments in the region, including the Palestine situation and Iran's nuclear programme.
Gulf News has learned that Saudi Arabia and Japan will sign a number of agreements during the visit, including an agreement for air transport and a joint venture in petrochemicals between Saudi Aramco and a number of Japanese companies. Abe's visit to Saudi Arabic comes as part of his first Arab trip, which will also take him to Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Egypt.
Over 100 businessmen will accompany Abe. Talks will be held between the Japanese businessmen and their Saudi counterparts.
Saudi Arabia and Japan will sign a number of deals, including a joint venture in petrochemicals.
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