A new era has begun in the relations between the US and the Islamic world, said King Abdullah while chairing the weekly Cabinet session here, Monday. The King said his talks with US President Barack Obama Wednesday focused on strengthening and deepening the bonds of friendship between the two countries. King Abdullah told the Cabinet that he discussed with President Obama regional issues, foremost of which was the Mideast peace stalemate. The Cabinet viewed Obama's Cairo speech as a new beginning, which would pave the way for a constructive, instrumental and genuine dialogue, said Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdul Aziz Khoja. He said the appeal made by President Obama for enhancing cooperation between nations comes in support of King Abdullah's call and initiative for an inter-faith dialogue. It also stressed the importance of the monetary union accord signed by foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait in Riyadh Sunday. The Cabinet described the agreement as a substantial step in formalizing the institutions of the monetary union such as the Monetary Council and the Central Bank. The Cabinet listened to a briefing from Prince Naif, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, on security efforts to foil drug smuggling.
