King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, received Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the accompanying delegation here Sunday. The two leaders discussed the latest developments of the Palestinian issue, particularly the peace process in the region. They also discussed the international efforts being exerted to achieve a fair and comprehensive peace that guarantees the right of the Palestinian people in self-determination and the establishment of an independent state. Abbas briefed the Monarch on the outcome of his recent official visits to the United States and the Federal Republic of Russia, Jamal Shobaki, Palestinian ambassador in Riyadh, said, adding that the Palestinian leader left for Amman after the talks. The King then gave a dinner party in honor of the Palestinian president and the accompanying delegation. King Abdullah also received Robert Zoellick, President of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the accompanying delegation. During the meeting, President of the IBRD highlighted the various activities of the bank to the King. President of the IBRD also expressed appreciation of the development plans witnessed by the Kingdom in various fields under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Monarch asserted the importance of contribution of the IBRD effectively in developing the Arab countries and confirmed the necessity of the agricultural growth in the developing countries. The meeting was attended by Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz, President of (AGFUND), Prince Badr Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Commander of the National Guard, Prince Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; and a number of officials.
