French President's statement to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper

Jeddah, November 29, SPA-- France's President Nikolas Sarkozy
described the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud as a leader of logic and moderation.


In a statement to "Al-Sharq Al-Awsat" newspaper, the French
president praised the King's balanced and constructive position with
regard to reforming the international financial system in a speech at
the Economic Summit of Group of Twenty recently held in Washington.
He noted the King's brave initiatives to advance peace and has very
strong messages for dialogue between the followers of religions.


The French President noted that he had an excellent memory
for his recent visit to the Kingdom last January, which gave a new
dimension to the strategic partnership between the two countries.


He said, "The King is a dear friend of mine and my
relationship with him is characterized by great confidence. I was
pleased to meet the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Washington
on the occasion of the Group of Twenty."


The President commended the Kingdom's support for
reconciliation between the Palestinians, stability in Lebanon and its
reconstruction, stressing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the
essential bridge between the Arab and Muslim world and the West and
it is an ally and a partner for peace in the region.


President Sarkozy indicated his country's support for the
King's emphasis on youth and knowledge and giving priority to
education, technology and researches.