Under the patronage of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, the second gulf conference on transportation began here today its deliberations. The conference is organized by the Gulf road engineering society in cooperation with the Saudi ministry of transport. The speech of Crown Prince Sultan at the conference's inaugural session was read on his behalf by minister of transport Dr Jubarah bin Eid al-Sireisiri. In his speech Crown Prince Sultan welcomed the participants of the conference which will review means for developing the transport sector in the GCC member states. He noted that transport constitutes the major engine for the process of economic growth at the local and regional arenas. Prince Sultan said the convening of the conference in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comes as continuation to the support and encouragement being extended to the transport sector, like other sectors, by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz as well as boosting any effort which aims at developing it so as to enable it match international researches, studies and experiences in this respect. Everyone is aware of the significant role of the transport sector as regards building of civilizations because it constitutes one of the basic pillars on which development, with all of its elements, is based. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen on adopting a comprehensive national policy which makes the installations required for the development of our dear country available. The transport sector, in addition to its vital role as regards boosting the national, regional and international economy, stands as real standard for civilization and prosperity. Its role in narrowing the gap among the nations and enhancing the pillars of social and cultural cooperation has become great, he said. Crown Prince Sultan pointed out that taking these facts into account, the attention of the world to develop this sector and the international cooperation this respect have become great. Organization of international and regional conferences and seminars by those who are concerned with transportation industry stands as witness for the importance of this sector. The establishment of several specialized unions, commissions and societies which shoulder their responsibility towards the development of this industry, provides a clear evidence for the attention given by the world to this industry. Hosting of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Gulf road engineering society so as to enable it hold its second Gulf conference embodies the great attention given by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to this sector and reflects the support it extends to this important society. The important topics you will discuss at your conference including the implementation of transport systems in the field of public transport, management of traffic and safety, development of public transport, as well as the recommendations which you will issue will have a positive impact as regards the development of this sector and enabling it match the great developments and the swift wheel of growth in all domains. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is a part of this great world, would like to present its expertise and experiences in this regard and to make them at the disposal of the GCC member states and all other fraternal and friendly countries which are working for the development of this sector. At the same time, in the Kingdom, we welcome exchange of information and benefiting from the expertise and experiences of brothers and friends and to getting acquainted with the recent developments in this respect so as to realize the best possible performance for the transport sector in our country. I hope your conference will be culminated in success, and I pray for the perpetuation of the bounty of security. --more
