This comment was part of his inaugural speech that was read out at the Gulf Africa Investment Conference in Riyadh. The conference was opened on his behalf by Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Zainal Alireza.
King Abdullah expressed his hope that the conference would lead to expanding business relations between the Gulf and African countries.
"We also expect that the conference would also lead to establishing effective partnership between the two sides in order to enhance the progress and prosperity of people in their countries," the king said.
He highlighted the significant position of Africa as an important market for products of small and large-scale industries. He said the partnership between the two sides would help the Gulf meet its requirements of agricultural products.
