The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz awarded the visiting President of Finland Tarja Halonen during an audience at his palace in Jeddah tonight King Abdulaziz Necklace, the Kingdom's most prestigious medal for world leaders. On her part, the President awarded the King Finland's White Rose Medal, in his honor. Then the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Finnish President co-chaired an official round of talks between the two countries' sides. At the outset of the session, the monarch welcomed the President, wishing her and her accompanying delegation good stay in the Kingdom. On her part, President Halonen thanked the King for warm reception and generous hospitality. Then the two sides discussed the overall incidents and developments at the regional and international arenas in addition to aspects of cooperation between the two countries and ways of enhancing them in all fields in a way that serves the interests of the two countries. On the Saudi side, the session was attended by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Mit'eb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Abdullah bin Ahmed Zeinnel, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet, who guides the visiting Finnish delegation. President Halonen's official accompanying delegation also took part in the session.
