Prince General Mit'eb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Deputy Commander of the National Guard for Military Affairs, met in Paris today with French Defense Minister Hervé Maureen. During the meeting, they exchanged bilateral talks and reviewed issues of common interest between the two countries. Following the meeting, Prince Met'eb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz expressed pleasure to meet the invitation of French Defense Minister to visit France and attend the opening of the military exhibition. He said, "Saudi French relations are enjoying high profile under the co-leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, and France's President Nicolas Sarkozy. On his part, the Minister of Defense said France's relationship with Saudi Arabia is not just an old friendship, but France has already established strategic relations with the Kingdom in several areas including military cooperation, and that talks between the two countries are being held on regular bases. Today, we have dealt with routine topics as were in previous meetings, he said. He added that the Saudi French relations were beyond mere trade and arming as Saudi Arabia is a partner who enjoys privileges. He emphasized that France shares common positions with Saudi Arabia as regards foreign policy in the Middle East. He said, "Every time and then, we discuss the Lebanese, Iranian and occupied territories issues".
