Spain expects positive results from the visit of Crown Prince Sultan to the country starting Thursday. Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Prince Saud Bin Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, the Kingdom's Ambassador to Spain, said great importance is being attached to the Crown Prince's visit. The Crown Prince's visit marks a new era in the Kingdom and Spanish relations, the ambassador said. Prince Saud stressed that the visit reflects the depth of the Saudi-Spanish relations and the desire from both sides for strengthening them further in all spheres. About strengthening the Arab-European dialogue, Prince Saud said: “We should recollect that Spain was the first country that hosted the Middle East peace conference in Madrid. Moreover, it is a friendly country that has a political weight and enjoys distinguished relations with Arabs. The Crown Prince's visit will extensively help in reactivating the European role in finding a practical and just solution for the Mideast issue. The Crown Prince will sign a memorandum of understanding covering all aspects of military cooperation between the two countries, Prince Saud said. He said Saudi military procurements are made according to the needs and requirements of Saudi Armed Forces. “Purchasing weapons is not a fast process. It requires lengthy studies and discussions by the concerned parties,” he said. The ambassador said there were several agreements signed by the two countries during the successive visits of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the Spanish monarch during the past years. He said the establishment of Saudi-Spanish investment fund serves businessmen and investment sectors in the two countries. About the possibility of transferring the Kingdom's experience in fighting terrorism to Spain, Prince Saud said there was already an understanding between ministries of interior in this regard. About King Abdullah's call for religious dialogue and the role of the Kingdom's embassy in Madrid to highlight the culture of peaceful coexistence and moderation, he said the initiative is based on principles of respecting the others and also calls for peaceful coexistence regardless of any religious or cultural background. – Okaz __
