King urges strong partnership between Arab, South American countries

AMMAN () — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday participated in the Fourth Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) in Riyadh, which aims at sustaining cooperation, coordination and consultation among these nations.

In his speech at the closed meeting of the summit, the King highlighted "the importance of our sincere determination to bring our countries closer through enhanced cooperation and stronger partnerships in various fields, especially in the economic sphere", according to a Royal Court statement.

"This meeting shall provide us with a solid platform to build on our countries’ strategic importance, rich human resources and natural wealth," His Majesty said at the summit, chaired by Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz.

"Actually, we have so much in common that the long distances between our countries are not an obstacle. We are connected by the great legacy of rich values and customs shared between Arab and South American civilisations," the Monarch added.

Following is the full text of King Abdullah's speech at the summit:

In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate,

Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.

In our continuing quest to deepen and broaden the bonds and relations between our countries, we gather here today for this Fourth South American-Arab Countries Summit. I wish to extend appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of my brother, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who envisioned and initiated hosting this summit.

This meeting shall provide us with a solid platform to build on our countries’ strategic importance, rich human resources and natural wealth. Actually, we have so much in common that the long distances between our countries are not an obstacle. We are connected by the great legacy of rich values and customs shared between Arab and South American civilisations.

Allow me to underline our sincere determination to bring our countries closer through enhanced cooperation and stronger partnerships in various fields, especially in the economic sphere. Even with all that has been achieved so far, we look forward to establishing new bridges of cooperation and communication between the peoples and leaders of our countries as well as the sharing of expertise that would best serve our mutual interests.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our countries are blessed with promising and youthful populations. It is, therefore, our responsibility to create new and attractive job opportunities to meet their aspirations. In particular, it is incumbent on us to immunise and protect our youth against the poisons of terrorist and extremist ideologies, which certainly recognise no boundaries.

With increased global interconnectedness, drawing our countries and economies closer, it has become virtually impossible to limit the repercussions of any crisis to its geographic location. This requires us to utilise the outcomes of the three previous summits to develop our cooperation and partnership.

Finally, allow me to express our deep appreciation to South American countries for their courageous stands in support of just Arab causes, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause.

Once again, I thank my brother, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for his wisdom and forward-looking vision, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the outstanding organisation of this summit.

Wishing you all success.

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.

Afterwards, King Abdullah and the accompanying delegation attended an official dinner banquet hosted by King Salman in honour of the participating heads of delegations.

The King’s accompanying delegation included Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, King’s Adviser Ali Fazaa, Jordan’s Ambassador to Riyadh Jamal Shamaileh and Jordan’s Permanent Envoy at the Arab League Bisher Khasawneh.

King Salman, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Nayef Bin Abdulaziz, deputy prime minister and minister of interior; Governor of Riyadh Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz; and Jordan’s Ambassador to Riyadh Jamal Shamaileh received King Abdullah upon his arrival at the King Khaled International Airport earlier in the day.

The ASPA summit, which brings together Arab League member states and South American countries, is a gathering for political coordination among these nations, the statement said.

The summit provides the grounds to enhance cooperation at several levels, especially in the economic, cultural, educational, health and tourist sectors, with the aim of achieving sustainable development in these countries and contributing to reaching international peace.