Arab-Japan 3rd Dialogue Forum organized by the Ministry of the Economy and Planning started here today with the participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Japan. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister led the Saudi side to the two-day meetings. In his inaugural speech, Prince Saud said that we warmly welcomed the idea of the Forum in order to develop and enhance good relations between Arab countries and Japan. Prince Saud pointed out that the Forum has the capabilities to greatly contribute to the enhancement of peace and prosperity in the region, noting that challenges necessitate joint efforts with our friends and Japan which has a unique position to contribute to this mission. Addressing the Forum, Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Qusaibi, the Minister of Economy and Planning, stressed that the Forum has the capabilities to enhance multi-lateral relations between Japan and the Arab World. He expressed his pleasure over setting up a free trade zone between Japan and the Arab World. The Forum was also addressed by Japan's Former Premier and Head of Delegation Ritaro Hashimoto who thanked the Kingdom for hosting this meeting, also praising good relations binding the Kingdom and Japan. He emphasized the necessity of the international cooperation to fight terrorist nets in the Middle East. In his speech, Ismael Sirajuddin, the Head of the Egyptian Delegation praised the great developments achieved by the Forum.
