RIYADH, 20 April 2007 — Italian Premier Romano Prodi will arrive here tomorrow for high-level talks on matters of bilateral and regional interests.
Announcing the arrival of his country’s prime minister at a press conference held yesterday, Italian Ambassador Eugenio d’Auria said, “Our premier is coming at a crucial time following the positive outcome of the recent Arab League summit, which was presided over by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.”
The envoy said the talks with the Saudi leaders, besides bilateral issues, would focus on regional crises related to Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Darfur and Somalia. Some of these matters could be discussed on the basis of the decisions taken at the last Arab League meeting held in Riyadh last month.
During his two-day stay in the capital, the prime minister is scheduled to hold talks with King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan, minister of defense and aviation, Interior Minister Prince Naif, and Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal. He is also expected to visit the Shoura Council where he is scheduled to address members of the council and hold a business dialogue with Saudi businessmen at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).
Ambassador Eugenio said the purpose of the premier’s visit to the Kingdom is to reinforce Italy’s commitment to the Middle East Peace Process in light of recent developments following the historic Arab League summit. He added that the two leaders would also discuss future steps to be taken following the International Conference on Lebanon held in Rome.
The envoy pointed out that further talks would be held on a proposed bilateral treaty to fight organized crime, terrorism, and drug and human trafficking that is to be signed shortly.
