Saudi, French military relations reviewed
Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 10/11/1999

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz has asserted Saudi Arabia's desire to strengthen military cooperation with France.

In a speech he made on Saturday evening in Riyadh during a session of talks with French Defense Minister Alain Richard, the Saudi defense minister said that cooperation relations between the Saudi and French armed forces are proceeding forward under a fruitful and equal bilateral cooperation.

He added that the French - Saudi friendship is considered an example to be followed because they are built on peace-loving and backing the forces of peace and the interests of the two countries. He added, "The power we seek is that of defending the shrines, and that ensures peace."

For his part, the French minister described Saudi-French relations as a reflection of relations of deeply-rooted traditions between the two countries covering all areas, including the military field. He stressed that military relations between Riyadh and Paris are solid ones and one of the most solid and strongest military relations in the world.

Richard added that French President Jacques Chirac and the Prime Minister Lionel Jospin pin great importance to the relations with Saudi Arabia and call for working regularly and relentlessly for strong cooperation relations between the two countries.

The French defense minister arrived in Riyadh on Saturday night. Richard also held talks with King Fahd Bin Abdil Aziz regarding relations between the two countries and military cooperation.

Prince Sultan told reporters when he was asked if the talks tackled the sale of French-made LeClerk tanks to Saudi Arabia, "The French tanks are nothing but a part of the Saudi - French cooperation in the armed forces field, and I think that there are committees that will discuss these matters."

Previous Stories:
  French defense minister is visiting Saudi Arabia today   (10/9/1999)
  Saudi, French FMs meet   (7/29/1999)
  French economic delegation visits Saudi Arabia   (5/20/1999)

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