STOCKHOLM, 9 June — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, yesterday invited more Swedish companies to invest in the Kingdom and said Saudi Arabia had created a suitable investment climate by introducing major economic reforms.
Addressing a dinner hosted by Swedish Prime Minister Goeran Persson, he urged Stockholm to push Europe for taking a “decisive and effective stand” to end the Israeli aggression on unarmed Palestinians and achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace settlement in the Middle East.
“We want to see more Swedish companies and investment in the Kingdom,” said the crown prince, who arrived here earlier from Germany on a three-day visit. “Our relations are based on a strong foundation and we value them,” he added.
Prince Abdullah said the current Middle East situation was “very dangerous” due to Israeli attacks, killings, confiscation of land, establishment of settlements on occupied land and economic blockade of the Palestinians.
“This flagrant aggression is tantamount to collective punishment and violates all international laws and charters,” the crown prince said in his usual frank and bold manner without mincing words.
“The continuation of this dangerous situation will never help Israel achieve its goals. It will only lead the region to an uncertain future,” the crown prince warned. He called on Sweden to resume its historic role in promoting peace in the Middle East.
Persson said his country was greatly honored by the royal visit and hoped that it would further strengthen relations between the two countries. Prince Abdullah invited Persson to visit the Kingdom. Earlier, Prince Abdullah and Persson held official talks that focused on the Middle East situation and other international issues.
The crown prince’s meeting with Persson is significant as Sweden holds the rotating presidency of the European Union. Persson is scheduled to visit the Middle East today for talks with Palestinian and Israeli leaders to see how the EU can help stop the escalating violence in the region.
The crown prince also met with Sweden’s King Carl Gustaf and discussed bilateral relations and major global developments. He will have talks with top executives of major Swedish companies, including the telecom giant Ericsson and the industrial group ABB.
Prince Abdullah is here on the third leg of a four-nation tour which has already taken him to Syria and Germany. He will visit Morocco on Sunday.
