JEDDAH, 13 April 2004 — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, yesterday emphasized the need for “fruitful cooperation” between scientific research organizations in Arab countries.
In an address read out by Riyadh Governor Prince Salman to a seminar on scientific research and technological development in the Arab world, the crown prince also noted the Kingdom’s 20-year national plan for the development of science and technology.
“We hope that the plan will realize the hopes and aspirations of the Kingdom’s leadership and people,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Prince Abdullah as saying.
The three-day seminar is organized by the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology in association with the Arab Science & Technology Foundation (ASTF).
Dr. Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al-Najjar, chairman of ASTF, called for more investment in the science and technology sector.
In his speech, Dr. Saleh Al-Athel, president of KACST, said the conference would help Arab scientists to exchange their views and expertise to promote development.
Dr. Ali Al-Shamlan, director general of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, said scientific progress was a must to reduce the gap between the Arab world and developed countries.
“These meetings will promote contacts between Arab scientists within the Arab world and outside in order to discuss ways to boost development of their countries,” he told the opening session.
