RIYADH, 24 September — US President George W. Bush yesterday commended Saudi Arabia’s support to fight terrorism. He said Washington’s friendly relations with Riyadh were needed to counter terrorism and push Middle East peace forward.
"We have worked together to confront our common threats like terrorism and establish a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," Bush said in a message of greetings to Prince Abdullah, the regent, on the occasion of the Kingdom’s National Day.
"Our success in achieving those objectives would only be possible if we managed to safeguard the close friendly relations between our countries," the message said. Bush also commended the US "partnership" with Saudi Arabia "in the face of numerous threats."
Meanwhile, Prince Abdullah received a telephone call from Palestine President Yasser Arafat, who briefed the regent on "the dangerous developments" in Palestinian territories.
The two leaders discussed Arab efforts to confront the Israeli aggression. Prince Abdullah reiterated the Kingdom’s full support for the Palestinians.
