Foreign minister holds meetings, press conference

Rome, November 20 , SPA -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz sent a message to Italian Premier Silvio
Berlusconi concerning the bilateral relations between the two
friendly countries and ways of boosting them in addition to joint
coordination on various international issues.

The message was delivered to the Italian premier by Prince Saud
Alfaisal, the Foreign Minister, during an audience here yesterday.

During the meeting, Prince Saud Alfaisal stressed the importance of
boosting relations between the two countries praising the Italian
role toward various international issues.

Prince Saud also held here yesterday a meeting with Italian Foreign
Minister Franco Frattini. During the meeting, they discussed
cooperation between the two countries on various international events
especially peace in the Middle East.

Then, the Saudi and Italian foreign ministers held a joint press
conference.

Prince Saud commended Italy's participation in the meeting of the
United Nations General Assembly held last week on the Custodian of
the Two Holy Mosques' initiative for dialogue among followers of
religions and cultures.

Prince Saud highlighted the importance of the initiative.

The two foreign ministers stressed the importance of
non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and activation of the nuclear
weapons non-proliferation treaty which will begin in 2010.

The ministers talked about the peace process in the Middle East and
the importance of stopping the Israeli settlements.

The Italian minister commended the Saudi strategic role in the region
and the world announcing the invitation of the kingdom to participate
in the international conference of foreign ministers of the group of
the major eight countries which will be held in Italy.

--SPA