RIYADH, 1 May 2006 — Saudi Arabia and Greece signed a landmark agreement on Saturday on avoidance of double taxation on income from aircraft operations. The agreement was signed by Finance Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf and Greek Development Minister Dimitrios Sioufas in the presence of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Greek President Karolos Papoulias.
King Abdullah earlier held official talks with Papoulias on major regional and international issues, most importantly Palestine and the situation in Iraq.
The two leaders also discussed expanding bilateral relations. Crown Prince Sultan, Prince Abdul Rahman, deputy minister of defense and aviation, Prince Miteb, minister of municipal and rural affairs, Interior Minister Prince Naif and Riyadh Governor Prince Salman also attended the talks.
The Saudi monarch awarded President Papoulias the King Abdul Aziz Medallion at the Yamamah Palace Saturday. The honor is reserved for kings and heads of state of friendly countries.
Papoulias reciprocated by presenting the most prestigious Greek medal — “Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer” — to King Abdullah for his outstanding services. It is the highest award given by the Greek government to its nationals and to distinguished foreign friends. The president thanked the king for according him a warm welcome and honoring him with the medallion.
The president ended his two-day visit to the Kingdom yesterday. He was seen off by Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie and senior officials.
Prior to the luncheon hosted by Crown Prince Sultan, the president was given a grand welcome by Dr. Saleh Bin Humeid, chairman of the Shoura Council, when he visited the Shoura headquarters.
Papoulias referred to the years of relations between the two countries. “We have many things in common and have contributed to the development of humanity.”
In his remarks in the Visitors’ Book of the Shoura Council, the president commended the services of the council and described its composition as a body of distinguished men dedicated to serving the country.
Papoulias and his delegation visited the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center where they were welcomed by Riyadh Governor Prince Salman and Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT). The Greek president was briefed on the role and activities of the center which showcases the antiquities, manuscripts and documents pertaining to the history of the Arabian Peninsula in general and the Kingdom in particular.
Dr. Tros Doukas, deputy minister of finance, and Greek businessmen held talks with Amr Al-Dabbagh, chairman of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), on possible investments and joint ventures.
