Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, has reiterated that the talks held here on Monday between Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard, would have a positive impact on the Saudi-American relations. Addressing a press conference here, Prince Saud said the Saudi-American relations which go back to 60 years are based on the principles of mutual respect and mutual interests. He noted that the talks of Prince Abdullah with US President Bush had covered bilateral relations as well as the problems of Palestine and Iraq in addition to the situation in the Gulf region and Lebanon and other issues of mutual interest. Prince Saud pointed out that the talks were attended by on the Saudi side by the Foreign Minister and Saudi ambassador to the US, and on the American side by the Vice-President, the State Secretary and the National Security Advisor and their aides. Meanwhile, Prince Saud said Prince Abdullah had held a bilateral meeting with President Bush at the latter's ranch in Texas. 'All problems have been discussed frankly and plainly ', he said. --more 1139 Local Time 0839 GMT
