Saudi crown prince starts visit to the US, important talks to be held

Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz met Thursday in Washington with US President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. Talks dealt with the Middle East peace process, security in the Gulf region, oil and economic conditions.

Upon his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, the Saudi crown prince was welcomed by Gore. On the visit's agenda, Prince Abdullah was to meet on Thursday with US President Bill Clinton and other US officials.

Well-informed sources said the Saudi crown prince's talks with US officials will center on conditions in the Middle East, the stumbled Middle East peace process and bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the US.

Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah visited Britain and France before arriving in Washington.

The delegation accompanying the Saudi crown prince includes Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal, Finance Minister Ibrahim Abdul Aziz al-Assaf and Oil Minister Ali Ibrahim al-Nueimi.

High-ranking officials at US oil companies are scheduled to come to Washington at the beginning of next week to take part in a "unique" meeting with the Saudi crown prince. The meeting was described as for getting acquainted.

News reports said this "unique" meeting raised expectations that Saudi Arabia may prepare to discuss the privatization of parts of its industries, run by the state.