DAMASCUS, 10 August 2003 — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, who arrived here yesterday at the start of a four-nation tour, held vital talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad on Middle East peace and the Iraqi situation.
The two leaders reviewed the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and Iraq, informed sources told Arab News. They also discussed prospects of strengthening Arab unity.
Syrian Vice President Muhammad Zuhair Masharika said Prince Abdullah’s visit was significant in light of the current situation in the region and its repercussions.
“The present situation demands joint Arab action and the strengthening of Arab solidarity,” he told the Saudi Press Agency.
Masharika highlighted the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and his country, which he said the royal visit would contribute to strengthening.
He emphasized the need to bolster Arab unity to restore Arab rights and liberate occupied territories. He blasted Israel’s expansionist and aggressive policy, saying it contradicted the requirements of a just and comprehensive peace settlement in the region.
Saudi official sources told Okaz newspaper that Prince Abdullah’s visits to Syria, Egypt and Morocco were aimed at unifying Arab ranks.
The crown prince, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Prince Nawaf, director of intelligence, and Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, is expected to arrive in Cairo today.
