Saudi, Japanese joint statement on Saudi crown prince's visit to Japan
Saudi Arabia and Japan have called for resuming negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks in the Middle East peace process and to carry out UN Security Council resolution 425 provides for Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon and its western Bekaa.
In a joint statement released on Friday in Tokyo and Riyadh at the conclusion of the visit made by Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz to Japan, the two countries expressed strong concern over the stumbled Middle East peace process. They stressed the need to achieve just and comprehensive peace based the on Madrid terms of reference, foremost being the land-for-peace formula, the signed agreements and UN Security Council decisions.
The statement stressed the need for a total commitment to all agreements signed between the Palestinians and the Israelis and renewed their position in total rejection of unilateral measures which may affect the status of final negotiations, especially those relating to the question of Jerusalem.
Concerning the situation in Iraq, the statement urged the Iraqi government to abide by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. They expressed sympathy with the people of Iraq and stressed complete desire to maintain Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement welcomed and supported Iran's policy led by President Muhammad Khatami, a policy which resulted in improving relations between Iran and its neighbors and other countries in the international community.
The two sides expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan and stressed the need to achieve peace and stability based on national reconciliation. The two sides also expressed concern over the escalated tensions along the Afghan - Iranian borders and urged the two sides to adhere to self control and to settle their disputes through dialogue and by peaceful means. They voiced support for the efforts exerted by the UN and its special envoy in the region.
The statements asserted the need to dismantle all weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East including all nuclear, chemical and biological weapons as well as missiles which carry these weapons.
The statement called upon countries which did not join the Non-Proliferation Treaty to take the initiative and join it, a reference to Israel.
The two sides expressed hope that the two countries' governments would proceed with cooperation in the areas of health, sciences, culture, sport, investment and joint venture projects.
Later in the day, the Saudi crown prince left Tokyo for Seoul where he will make a three-day official visit to Southern Korea during which he will hold talks with high-ranking officials on several Arab, international and bilateral issues of mutual concern.