JEDDAH, 4 December 2005 — A delegation of Philippine legislators met yesterday with Saudi officials in Riyadh for talks on topics of mutual concern.

Speaker Jose de Venecia of the Philippine House of Representatives, leader of the delegation, discussed bilateral relations with Riyadh Governor Prince Salman.

They met in the presence of ambassadors from both countries, Muhammad Amin Wali and Bahnarin Guinomla.

De Venecia also met with Shoura Council President Dr. Saleh Bin-Humaid, who emphasized the strong relations between the two countries. He thanked Bin-Humaid for inviting him to visit the Kingdom. He also underscored the remarkable development achieved by Saudi Arabia while strictly following its religious values.

He also noted Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s noble stands on regional issues.

Dr. Bin-Humaid and senior Shoura officials later held talks with de Venecia and his delegation and their talks focused on political, economic, investment, social and parliament affairs and other issues of mutual concern.

Saudi Arabia hosts an estimated 900,000 Filipino workers and dependents. On the other hand, the Philippines buys its oil needs mostly from Saudi Arabia.