The Shoura Council held here today a session presided over by the Speaker of the Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Ibrahim Al Alsheikh.

At the outset of the session, the council extended congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister, the royal family, the Saudi people and the Arab and Islamic nations on Eid Alfitr.

In a statement by its chairman, the council highlighted the 79th national day of the kingdom which fell on Wednesday, the 4th of the current month of Shawal.

The Speaker of the council praised the opening of King Abdullah University for Science and Technology.

He condemned the treacherous terrorist bombing attempt against Prince Mohammad bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs.

The council praised the preventive measures by the state to fight the swine influenza pandemic and efforts to serve Umrah performers.

Majlis Ash Shura approved proposed amendments of the World Monetary Fund Agreement and a decision concerning a long-term strategy on the issues of Hajj and Umrah.

The council approved annual reports of the Control and Investigation Bureau and the Ministry of Education.

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The Commission also noted the attention given by Majlis Ash Shura to the problems of human rights.

It also hailed the attention of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to enable women to positively contribute to the political, economic and social development of the country.


It noted that a Saudi woman is now occupying the portfolio of Deputy Education Minister for girls in addition to the participation of some women in the management of chambers of commerce and several governmental and non-governmental sectors.

The Commission said the Kingdom is keen on joining regional and international agreements which are concerned with human rights provided that these agreements don't contravene with the Islamic Shariah.

For example the Kingdom has joined the declaration of Cairo 'Human rights in Islam', issued by the Islamic Foreign Ministers in 1990 as well as Cairo declaration for spreading culture of human rights in 2000 in addition to Riyadh declaration for human rights in 2003 and the Arab convention for human rights in 2004, and rights of children in Islam for 2005.

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Saudi Shura Council member Dr. Abdulmalik bin Abdullah Al-Khayal called on the major industrialized countries to address the problem of dangerous gases resulting from the process of global warming and climate changes, by supporting clean industries which do not affect the human health and safety.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Al-Khayal also pointed out that he addressed this issue in a speech delivered before 72 officials representing the members of the Houses of Representatives and Shura Councils in 38 countries on the sideline of the meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Energy and Climate Changes hosted by the British House of Commons for five days in London.

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London, July 08

The British House of Commons hosted here today the meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Conference under the theme of Energy and Climate Change.

The conference was attended by 65 delegations, representing more than 40 countries around the world, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Abdulmalik Al-Khayyal of the Saudi Shoura Council led his countrys delegation to the meeting.

The meetings addressed the effectiveness of Copenhagen agreement on climate change in addition to the efforts exerted to reduce global warming as well as carbon rates in the atmosphere.

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Riyadh, July 05

The Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh has expressed his appreciation of the Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohieddin Khojah for his statement welcoming various opinions of the Councils members on the performance of the Ministry during the discussion of its annual report for fiscal year 1427/1428 AH.

Dr. Al Al-Sheikh said,The spirit of responsibility and transparency shown by the Minister of Information and Culture and his acceptance of different views represent a wide horizon of a statesman seeking for upgrading the performance of his ministry in accordance with a system of development and reform pursued by the wise leadership, and also emanate from his realization of the wise directives of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on cooperation of various executive and regulatory bodies of the state to improve the governmental performance in the service to the public interest.

The Speaker noted that briefing the Minister of Culture and Information on remarks and views of the Councils members will give the Minister and the ministrys officials a clear image of what citizens hope of the ministry to carry out duties assigned to it in accordance with the spirit of the era and ambition of a better future for the Kingdom.

He pointed out that a number of the Councils members will visit the Ministry of Culture and Information to be closely briefed on the ministrys achievements and problems impeding the march of the national media in the Kingdom.

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Astana, Kazakhstan, June 30

Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh arrived here today.

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Dr. Al Al-Sheikh will attend the 3rd Conference of Leaders of Followers of Divine Religions to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, under the patronage of Kazakhstan' President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Upon his arrival, Dr. Al Al-Sheikh was received by a number of senior officials.

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Riyadh, June 27

Speake of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah Al Asheikh received here today outgoing Japanese ambassador to the Kingdom Shigeru Nakamura.

During the meeting, Dr. Al Asheikh stressed the strong bilateral relations between the two countries as well as constructive cooperation in various fields. He also received South Korean ambassador to the Kingdom Hong Jong Ki.

During the meeting, parliamentary relations between the two countries as activation of Friendship Committees were discussed. Dr. Al Asheikh also met with Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al Ghadir whom the chairman congratulated on his new career as ambassador.

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Riyadh, June 27

Presiding over by its Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, Majlis Ash Shura will complete during its 35th ordinary session here on Sunday, the discussion of the annual report of the Ministry of Culture and Information for the fiscal year 1427/1428H.

The Council began discussing the Ministrys report in its last session.

The Council will also discuss topics on its agenda including a draft agreement between Saudi Arabia and Turkey in the field of youth and sports; the annual reports of Saudi Arabian Airlines and Ministry of Water and electricity; and reviewing the United Nations Convention against Corruption in light of the Cabinets decision on National Strategy for Protecting Integrity and Combating Corruption.

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Riyadh, June 20

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Ibrahim Al Alsheikh arrived in Istanbul coming from Ankara as part of his current official visit to Turkey.

Before leaving Ankara, the speaker met with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Premier Rajeb Tayyeb Ardongan and other senior Turkish officials.

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Ankara, June 19

President of the Republic of Turkey Abdullah Gul received here today the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura of Saudi Arabia Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh and the accompanying delegation, currently on an official visit to Turkey.

During the meeting, President Gul expressed happiness for the growing levels of cooperation and coordination between the Governments and peoples of both countries and between Turkeys National Assembly and Saudi Arabias Majlis Ash Shura.

The Turkish President pointed to the two historical visits paid by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to the Republic of Turkey, and the boost the Saudi-Turkish relations garnered from it, noting that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a special status to the Turkish people because of its prestige in the Muslim world as home of the two holy mosques.

We do appreciate the Kingdoms efforts in serving and rehabilitating the two holy mosques and providing complete comfort, security and safety for all pilgrims, the Turkish president said.

President Gul underscored the importance of consultation and cooperation between the two counties at all levels for the interest and stability of the Middle East, calling for benefiting from the current positive climates to find a solution to the Palestinian issue.

He also highlighted the importance of the visit of the delegation of Majlis Ash Shura and its role in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

For his part, Dr. Al Al-Sheikh conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General and the Saudi people to the president, Government and people of Turkey. During the meeting, a number of issues of common interest to both countries were also discussed.

The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials on the Turkish side as well as Al Al-Sheiks accompanying official delegation on the Saudi side.

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Riyadh, June 13

Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Ibrahim Al Alsheikh has announced the issuance of the royal approval of determining the mechanisms of cooperation and integration between the council and the regions; councils and the organization of periodic meetings between them in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.

The chairman considered the issuance of the order as an opportunity for establishing ideal relations between Majlis Ash Shura and the 13 regions; councils.

The chairman said the council formed a committee chaired by Secretary General of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Mohammad bin Abdullah Alghamdi and the membership of a number of the council to study and determine the mechanisms of cooperation and integration between the council and the regions; councils, set a program for visits and determine their nature and bases and areas of cooperation in agreement with the Ministry of Interior.

The chairman said the council seeks to coordinate with the regions; councils on achieving balance among the regions in what is introduced in Majlis Ash Shura of development programs. The chairman thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, and Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister, for their support for the councils of the kingdoms regions .

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Moscow, May 31

Majlis Ash Shura delegation headed by the Speaker Sheikh Dr.Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh concluded a visit to Moscow today.

The visit of Majlis Ash Shura delegation was in response to an invitation of President of Russian Federation Council Sergei Mironov. During the visit, the delegation discussed with Russian officials aspects of cooperation between the two countries in various fields, especially Saudi-Russian parliamentary relations.

Saudi Ambassador to Russia Ali Jaafar commended the outcome of the visit of Majlis Ash Shura , which embodied understanding that prevails between the two sides as well as the convergence of their views about many issues of common concern, pointing out that parliamentary action needs more communications and exchanges of visits between the parliamentary friendship committees to find a complementary relationships in this vital field.

He stressed the convergence of views between the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Russia on a number of issues at Arab and international arenas, adding that in the area of counter-terrorism, it can be activated to an international coordination for the interest of security and stability in the world.

The Saudi Ambassador noted that Saudi Arabia and Russia are among the largest oil exporters in the world, indicating that they have advanced technologies in the field of oil industries, and these features can be developed into further partnership in the areas of investment.

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St. Petersburg, Russia, May 29

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura , Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh held here today separate meetings with President of Legislative Council of St. Petersburg City Eng. Vadim Tewolbanov and Vice-Governor of the City Alexander Fajmistrov.

During the meetings, Dr. Al Al-Sheikh said Majlis Ash Shura seeks through his visit to Russia to open new horizons for bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of parliamentary action and the promotion of the work of parliamentary committees of friendship to inform peoples of the two countries on their culture and civilization as well as investment opportunities.

On Thursday Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura and his accompanying delegation arrived in the city of St. Petersburg where he was received by a number of Russian officials and Saudi Ambassador to Russia Ali Jaafar.

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Moscow, May 28

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh stressed the importance of the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Federal Russia in serving security, peace, political and economic stability in the Middle East and the world.Efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; the Russian President Dmitry Midiiv and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has produced a lot of development in bilateral relations over recent years, and contributed to advancing peace efforts in the Middle East, Al Sheikh, who is currently on a visit to Russia, added.

These remarks came in a press conference held by Al Al-Sheikh following a round of talks held today with the President of Russian Federation Council Sergei Mironov at the dederations headquarters in the Russian capital Moscow.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of issues on the regional and international arenas, and ways of developing the bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in the field of parliamentary work.

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Moscow, May 27

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received here today Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh and the accompanying delegation currently visiting Russia at the invitation of Speaker of the Russian Federation Council Sergei Mironov.

During the meeting, the Russian Foreign Minister praised the efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to seek political and economic stability in the world, commending the initiatives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to bring peace in the MiddleEast. He also hailed the Kings call for dialogue among followers of divine religions, pointing out that the Kingdom is exerting major efforts to contain emerging issues and crises in the region and the world in order to establish global stability.

For his part, Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince to the Russian President, saying that the Kingdom has good and distinguished relations with Russia in various political, economic and investment fields. Issues of common interest as well as ways of enhancing relations between the two countries in various fields were discussed during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by a number of officials. Last night, the Saudi Ambassador to Russia Ali Jaafar held a dinner party in honor of the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura and the accompanying delegation. The party was attended by a number of officials.

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Riyadh, May 25

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah Al Asheikh has arrived today in Moscow at the invitation of the Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia Sergey Mironov.

During the visit, Dr. Al Asheikh will meet with a number of Russian senior officials. Ways of enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries will also be discussed.

Dr. Al Asheikh was accompanied by a number of officials.

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Riyadh, May 24

Majlis Ash Shura Vice-Speaker Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Hamzah Hajjar received here today a delegation of U.S. Senior Congressional Aides who are currently visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, they reviewed issues of common interest in addition to ways of enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by a number of officials. Also, the Foreign Affairs Committee of Majlis Ash Shura held here today a meeting with the delegation of U.S. Senior Congressional Aides. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Talal bin Mahmoud Dhahi.

During the meeting, they discuss ways of enhancing bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, particularly parliamentary relations. They also discussed regional and international issues of common interest.

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Riyadh, May 24

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh received here today Hans-Rudolf Merz, the Swiss President and Chief of Federal Department of Finance, and the accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, Dr. Al Al-Sheikh briefed the Swiss President on the tasks of Majlis Ash Shura . They also discussed issues of common interest between the two countries, particularly ways of enhancing parliamentary cooperation. The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

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Riyadh, May 24

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr.Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh will pay a visit to Russia on Monday at an invitation of Chairman of Russian Federation Council Sergei Mironov. In a statement on this occasion, he said that the visit comes within the framework of the distinguished relations between the two countries at political, economic and cultural levels which have been embodied by the exchange of visits between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince on one hand, and the Russian leadership on the other hand. Dr. Al Al-Sheikh noted that the visit aims at promoting bilateral relations and joint cooperation between the two countries particularly in the field of joint parliamentary cooperation and coordination at international parliamentary arenas in the interest of the two countries as well as activating the role of Saudi-Russian Parliamentary Friendship Committees.

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Riyadh, May 19

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh received here today Dr. Hashim bin Abdullah Yamani. During the meeting, Dr. Yamani congratulated the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura on his new post .

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Riyadh, May 18

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah Al Asheikh received here today a number of newly appointed Saudi Ambassadors.

The ambassadors included Saudi Ambassador to India Faisal bin Hassan Trad, Ambassador to the Republic of Vietnam Salah Ahmed Sirhan, Ambassador to Cameron Mahmoud Cattan as well as Saudi Ambassador to Bosnia Eid Mohammed Al Thaqafi. The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

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Riyadh, May 17

The Chairman of Majlis Ash Shura Committee of Islamic and Judicial Affairs, and Human Rights Azeb bin Saeed Al Misbel met here today with British Undersecretary of Ministry of Communities and Local Government Sadiq Khan currently on a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, Al Misbel pointed out that the regulations in force in Saudi Arabia are in line with the Holy Quran and Prophet's Sunnah (Tradition).

On his part, Khan expressed his pleasure over visiting the Kingdom and Majlis Ash Shura and he shed light on the activities of the Ministry of Communities and its quest to bring closer the views of various minorities in Britain.

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Riyadh, May 16

Vice-Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Hamzah Hajjar received here today a delegation of the National Assembly (Parliament) of South Korea led by Jin Park, the Chairman of Foreign and Trade Affairs Committee.

During the meeting, they discussed the parliamentary relations between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

Then, the Foreign Affairs Committee of Majlis Ash Shura held a meeting with the National Assembly (Parliament) of South Korea. During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest.

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Riyadh, May 16

Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh received separately here today President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) Dr. Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel and Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Namla. During the meetings, the officials congratulated Majlis Ash Shura Speaker on his new post.

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Riyadh, May 06

Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura visited today the headquarters of The Saudi Commission for Investigation and Prosecution (CIP) in Riyadh.

The visit of DR. Al Al-Sheikh to the CIP was in response to an invitation extended to him by Sheikh Mohammed Fahd Al- Abdullah, the CIP President.

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Riyadh, May 04

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-sheikh, received here today Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Francis Smith and the accompanying delegation.

Dr. Al Alsheikh appreciated the Australian efforts to provide facilities to Saudi students on scholarship in universities and educational institutes of Australia, noting that the large number of Saudi students in Australia will increase and deepen the existing bilateral relations between the two countries and peoples.

During the meeting, they discussed all issues of common interest between the two countries as well as ways of enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

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Riyadh, April 30

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh has described the current visit being paid to the Eastern Region by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his inauguration of gigantic developmental and industrial projects as an affirmation that the State has been proceeding forward in implementing its strategy of development, despite all global challenges and economic conditions, which reflects the strength of the Saudi economy and its ability to overcome the global difficult economic crisis.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), he expressed his thanks to and appreciation of the King and the Crown Prince for their efforts exerted and attention paid to various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including giant developmental projects that will contribute to consolidating the bases of economic stability, creating more job opportunities and attracting investments.

Al Al-Sheikh noted that the consecutive visits paid to the regions by the King aims in the forefront to sense the needs of citizens and being informed of their needs and difficulties facing them.

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Riyadh, April 25

The Minister of Justice, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa received here today Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial conversation and discussed matters relating to justice and judicial affairs as well as the mechanism of developing the judiciary.

The Minister of Justice also received the judges participating in a training course for monitoring crescents for Islamic lunar months and they discussed religious sighting of crescents and ways of their monitoring by using modern technological means.

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Riyadh, April 25

The Foreign Affairs Committee, an affiliate of Majlis Ash Shura , headed by Dr. Talal bin Mahmoud held here today a meeting with the Pakistani parliamentary delegation led by Member of Parliament Fazlurahman. During the meeting, they discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways of promoting cooperation in parliamentary fields.

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Riyadh, April 18

Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh received an official invitation from Syrian Parliament Speaker Dr. Mahmoud Al-Abrash.

The invitation letter was handed over by Chargé d'affaires of Syrian Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ammar Al-Sabbagh during a meeting held at the Shoura Council in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they discussed ways of enhancing relations between Majlis Ash Shura and the Syrian Parliament.

Also, Dr. Al Al-Sheikh received here today Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Yang Honglin.

During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest in addition to ways of enhancing bilateral relations and joint cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Also, Dr. Al Al-Sheikh received separately here today the Governor of Electricity and Co-Generation Regulatory Authority Dr. Fareed Mohammed Zedan and Governor of General Investment Authority Amr Al-Dabbagh.

During the meetings, issues of common interest were discussed.

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Riyadh, April 14

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh received here today Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohieddin Khoja. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed cooperation between Majlis Ash Shura and the Ministry of Culture and Information.

Also, Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura received here today Jordanian Ambassador to the Kingdom Qaftan Al-Majali.

During the meeting, they discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, particularly between Majlis Ash Shura and Jordanian House of Representatives.

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Madinah, April 12

Spaeker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh has highlighted patronization of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister, of the contest of memorization of 'Hadeeth' (The Prophet's sayings) and said this development embodies his great attention to the Prophet's Sunnah (teachings).

"This contest stands as a witness for the great attention given by the Kingdom to Islam and its sciences," he said. Al Al-Sheikh pointed out that the contest will positively contribute to enhancing relations of the youth with their religion.

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Addis Ababa, April 10

General Assembly of International Parliamentary Union resumed here today its 120th session with the participation of the Saudi delegation led by Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Asheikh. Dr. Al Asheikh was accompanied by General Secretary of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Mohammed Al Ghamdi and a number of officials.

The meetings of the Governing Council of Inter-Parliamentary Union began officially on last Sunday at the United Nations Conference Center in Addis Ababa.

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Riyadh, April 07

Vice-Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Hajjar received here today member of the U.S. House of Representatives Dr. Keith Ellison who was accompanied by the Managing Director of the Saudi-American Business Council Edward Burton.

During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues of common interest as well as ways of enhancing trade legislation between the two countries. The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

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Addis Ababa, April 06

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah Al Asheikh gave a speech today at the General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union held in the Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa. Dr. Al Asheikh, who heads the Kingdoms delegation, stressed in the speech that such meetings enhance dialog among world nations saying that dialog remains the most important element in the relationship among nations.

He also stressed the Kingdoms commitment to dialog citing the Kins efforts which culminated in his famous call for inter-faith dialog in Madrid as well as his endeavors to set the scene within his own country through national dialog centers such King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialog.

Dr. Al Asheikh also emphasized the Kings efforts in expanding public participation as well as his support for freedom of speech. In his speech Dr. Al Asheikh also addressed the economic, political and social changes the world is undergoing stressing the need for a serious cooperation in creating the right environment for a balanced and peaceful relationship among nations based on compliance by international laws. Addressing the Palestinian issue, Dr. Al Asheikh talked about the atrocities and destruction of infrastructure as well as violations of human rights carried out by the brutal Israeli occupation.

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Addis Ababa, April 05

Majlis Ash Shura delegation led by Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Ibrahim Al Alsheikh participated here today in the coordination and consultative meeting by the Islamic group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union on the sideline of the meeting of the union held here today. The delegation also participated in the coordination and consultative meeting by the Arab group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The group agreed to propose discuss of the situation in the Palestinian territories and Gaza Strip at the union's meeting.

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Riyadh, April 01

Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-sheikh, Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura will lead the Council's delegation to the 120th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Union's 184th session, scheduled to take place from April 05 to April 10 at the United Nations' Convention Centre (UNCC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

During the Assembly - the largest parliamentary gathering - Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura will brief on the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in various fields and levels, and the positions and orientations of the Kingdom toward numerous issues and files.

He will also highlight the role of Saudi policy in development and reform, and the status of the progress and sustained development, in light of the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

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Riyadh, March 31

Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh received a message from Chairman of The Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly Sergey Mironov, congratulating him on his new post and inviting him to visit Russia.

The message was delivered by Russian Ambassador to the Kingdom Viktor Kudryavtsev during a meeting held today by the Majlis Ash Shura Speaker in Riyadh. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed ways of enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

Also, Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh received here today Ethiopian Ambassador to the Kingdom Yusuf Abdullah Sukkar. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed ways of enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

The meetings were attended by a number of officials.

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Riyadh, March 29

In the presence of the President of the Supreme Judiciary Council and former Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Homaid and the current Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Alsheikh, Majlis Ash Shura held a ceremony here today to honor its Speaker, former and current members and a number of media that cooperated with the council during its previous sessions.

A speech ceremony was held on the occasion. Those who delivered speeches included Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Homaid, council member Abdulqadir bin Hasan Kamal, council member Sheikh Solaiman bin Abdullah Almajid and Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Alsheikh.

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Riyadh, March 24

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's inaugural speech at Majlis Ash Shura's session was hailed by the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura, Chief judge, ministers and Majlis Ash Shura members.

In interviews with the Saudi Press Agency following the opening ceremony of the first year of the fifth session of the council, they underscored the importance of the speech which dealt with vital issues including the international dialogue, international financial crisis, peace process in the region and domestic issues

For his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al Alsheikh, the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura, said the monarch has drawn the picture of the world today and how the Kingdom could continue to be a source of good and prosperity for its people. He drew the attention to the importance of the King's instructions to expand the council's building following the increase of its members .

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Riyadh, March 24

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated today the first year of the fifth session of the Shoura (Consultative) Council at the council's headquarters in Riyadh.

Upon arrival at the venue, the King was received by Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh.

Then the royal anthem was played. Princes, the Council's Deputy Speaker, and Chairmen of the Committees greeted the King. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion, starting with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.

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Riyadh, March 18

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh separately received here today Chairman of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Commission Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Human Al-Humain and Chairman of Control and Investigation Board Dr. Saleh bin Saud Al-Ali.

During the meetings, the officials congratulated the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura on his new post. Cordial talks were exchanged and issues of common interest were discussed.

The meetings were attended by a number of officials

Also, Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh received here today Saudi Ambassador-Designate to Japan Dr. Abdulaziz Turkestani and Saudi Ambassador-Designate to Burkina Faso Hani Sindi

During the meeting, Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura congratulated the ambassadors on their new post, wishing them all success.

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Muscat, March 10

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Ibrahim Al Alsheikh left here today.

The chairman left after participating in an Arab parliamentary conference held here over the last three days.

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Muscat, March 09

Omani Deputy Premier Mr. Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Saeed received here today Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Asheikh and Heads of Arab parliaments participating in the 15th Conference on Arab Parliament Union hosted by Oman.

During the reception, they expressed their appreciation for Oman's hosting of the conference praising its organization of the conference which is considered as a lead-up to Arab parliamentary cooperation.

On another development, the Committee for Political and Parliamentary Affairs as well as the Committee for Economical and Financial Affairs held meeting today at Al Bustan Hotel in Muscat.

It's worth mentioning that these committees discuss a number of issues concerning the Arab World.

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A delegation representing majlis Ash Shura in Saudi Arabia will participate in the "5th Conference of the Arab Parliamentary Union" which will be held in Muscat on Saturday and last for three days.

Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh will lead the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the conference.

A number of political, economic and parliamentary issues, especially issues pertaining to the Arab cooperation will be discussed by the participants of the conference.

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Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Homaid met here today with Deputy Premier of Malaysia Najeeb Abdulrazzaq.

During the meeting, the chairman conveyed greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, and the Saudi people to Malaysia and the Malaysian people.

The Malaysian deputy premier praised the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for dialogue among followers of religions, cultures and civilizations for peace.

He also hailed the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' role in the Middle East for security and peace in the region.

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Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Homaid met here today with the Speaker of the Malaysian Parliament Amin bin Haji Mulia.

The meeting came as a part of the current visit of Dr. bin Homaid to Malaysia.

During the audience, the Speaker of the Malaysian Parliament welcomed Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura and the accompanying delegation, noting the bilateral relationship between the Kingdom and Malaysia on one hand and Majlis Ash Shura and the Malaysian Parliament on the other.

In a speech on the occasion, bin Homaid emphasized the distinguished deep-rooted bilateral relationship binding the two countries, considering the mutual visits by the leaderships of the two countries is yet another proof of the distinguished relation binding the two countries.

The two parties discussed a number of issues of common interest, including the activation of the parliamentary friendship committees between the two chambers.

The meeting was attended by members of Majlis Ash Shura and the Saudi Ambassador to Malaysia Mohammad Reza Abu Alhamail.

Earlier today, bin Homaid visited the International Islamic University in Malaysia. The Principal of the university announced that the University's senate is interested to appoint bin Homaid as Chairman of the Higher Council of the International Institute for Quranic Studies. Thanking the university for this offer, bin Homaid.

said he would reply later.

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Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Salih bin Abdullah Bin Homaid met here today with Saudi students studying in Malaysia.

The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Malaysia Mohammad Reza Abu Alhamail.

In a speech on the occasion, Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura hailed the program of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for sending Saudi students abroad for study saying that more than 48,000 students have benefited from the program until now.

Earlier today, Dr. Bin Homaid and the accompanying delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur on an official visit to Malaysia in response to an invitation by the Speaker of the Malaysian Parliament Amin bin Haji Mulia.

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Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Homaid will start tomorrow, Sunday, an official visit to Malaysia in response to an invitation by the Speaker of the Malaysian Parliament Amin bin Haji Mulia.

Majlis Ash Shura Speaker concluded an official visit to Australia which lasted for several days.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Ambassador to Australia Hasan Talaat Nadhir highlighted the success of the Majlis Ash Shura Speaker's visit to Australia.

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Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid met at his guest residence in the Australian city of Melbourne with Saudi students on scholarships in Australia.

The Saudi ambassador to Australia talaat bin Hasan Nazer was present in the meeting.

Addressing the gathering, bin Homaid advised the students to adhere to Islamic teachings to reflect a good profile about the Saudi people.

Later, bin Homaid visited the Islamic Center in Melbourne and was briefed on the services rendered by the facility to the Islamic community in the city.

On the other hand, the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura met at his residence in Melbourne with Australia's Mufti Sheikh Fahmi Al-Imam who briefed him on the activities practiced in the center.

For his part, bin Homaid called on the Islamic societies in Australia to further spread the correct Islamic culture among Muslims, urging for becoming good examples among the Australian people.

The meeting was attended by bin Homaid's accompanying delegation and Saudi diplomats based in Australia.

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Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid visited here today the National Center of Excellence for Islamic Studies (NCEIS) at the University of Melbourne.

Upon arrival, he was received by university's Director Ian Renard and NCEIS Director Abdullah Saeed.

Later, Dr. Saleh attended a luncheon held in his honor at the university.

During the visit, Dr. Saleh was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to Australia Hassan bin Talaat Nazir and his official delegation consisting of some members of Majlis Ash Shura.

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Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid visited the headquarters of Australian Parliament here today in the framework of his current visit to Australia.

He attended a part of the deliberations of the House of Representatives and Senate.

Dr. Saleh met with members of the Committee of Foreign Relations, Defense and Trade in parliament headed by Senator Michael Vorcha.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia, particularly ways of strengthening parliamentary, trade and cultural relations. He also visited Saudi embassy in Canberra where he was received by Saudi Ambassador to Australia Hassan Talaat bin Nazer.

Dr. Saleh paid a visit to Saudi Cultural Department and a mosque in Canberra.

On Tuesday, he attended a dinner party held in his honor by the Saudi ambassador.

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Workshop for the Arab parliamentarians began its deliberations here on Wednesday.

A delegation from Majlis Ash Shura is participating in the 3-day workshop. The delegation is composed of Hamza Al-Juhani, Dr Abdulrahman Al-Tamimi and a number of officials.

The workshop will focus on means of developing the capabilities of the Arab parliamentarians in the field of dialogue as well as issues pertaining to the international conference on housing and the millenary goals for development, due to be held soon.

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The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia Harry Jenkins and Senator John Hogg received at the Australian Parliament here today the Chairman of Saudi Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid currently visiting Australia.

During the meeting, the Australian officials hailed the bilateral relations between the two countries in various fields, particularly the parliamentary relations.

On his part, Dr. Saleh said that the invitation he received to visit Australia will contribute to enhancing the relations between the Majlis Ash Shura and the Australian Parliament.

The meeting was attended by a number of Australian Parliament members and Majlis Ash Shura members and Saudi Ambassador to Australia Hassan Talaat bin Nazir.

Also, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs received at the Australian Parliament here today Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid.

During the meeting, they discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

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Dr. Saleh met separately here today Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean and Minister of Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson.

During the meetings, ways of enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of trade, energy and tourism were discussed.

Also, Dr. Saleh attended here today a luncheon held in his honor by the Vice Chairman of Australian-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Committee Bruce Scott.

The meetings were attended by Saudi Ambassador to Australia Hassan Talaat bin Nazir and members of Majlis Ash Shura Speaker.

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Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid arrived here today, kicking off his state visit to Australia at the invitation of the Australian Parliament Speaker.

At Sydney International Airport, he was received by a number of senior officials of the Australian Parliament and Saudi Ambassador to Australia Hassan Talaat bin Nazir.

The Governor of New South Wales of Australia Marie Bashir received here today Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid who is currently visiting Australia.

During the meeting, Dr. Saleh conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, to the Governor. In turn, the Governor expressed appreciation of the Kingdom's role to support development in poor countries.

Bashir commended the bilateral relations between the two countries, calling for further cooperation in various fields.

Also, they discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, especially in the parliamentary field.

The meeting was attended by members of the Shoura Council accompanying the Chairman; and Saudi Ambassador to Australia Hassan Talaat bin Nazir.

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President of Singapore S. R. Nathan has lauded the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud calling for dialogue among followers of religions and cultures, referring to New York high-level meeting on peace of culture which was recently held upon invitation of the king.

During a meeting with visiting Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid, he hailed the bilateral relations binding the two countries.

Bin Homaid conveyed to the president the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Vice-Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Singaporean people, wishing Singapore and its people steady progress and prosperity.

For his part, bin Homaid lauded the bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, bilateral ties and ways of enhancing them were discussed.

Later, bin Homaid met with the Singaporean Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's office Goh Chok Tong who praised the King's initiative on dialogue among followers of religions and cultures.

During the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them were discussed in addition to the situations in the Middle East.

The two meetings were attended by bin Homaid's accompanying delegation; Saudi Charge d'Affaires to Singapore Hamza Mohammed Gassas and a number of Singaporean officials.

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Visiting Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Homaid met here today with Singaporean parliament's speaker Abdullah Altarmooji.

During the meeting, they discussed Saudi-Singaporean relations especially cooperation between the Shura Council and the Singaporean parliament.

The Singaporean parliament's speaker held a luncheon for the Shura Council Speaker and the accompanying delegation.

The Shura Council Speaker, who arrived here earlier today on an official visit to Singapore, visited the Ministry of Education in Singapore and was briefed on education there.

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The Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid received here today Iranian Ambassador to the Kingdom Dr. Seyed Mohammed Hosseini.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries. They also discussed ways of enhancing ties between the Saudi Shura Council and Iranian Shura Council.

The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

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The Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid received here today German Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom Volkmar Wenzel.

Dr. bin Homaid welcomed the German Ambassador, wishing him all success.

During the meeting, they discussed overall topics and issues of concern, particularly with regard to the upcoming economic summit meeting of Group of 20, and the dialogue between the followers of religions and cooperation for peace, which was called for by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The meeting was attended by a number officials.

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The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted by Majlis Ash Shura.

In a cable of reply to Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura Dr Salih bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the King, after reading Majlis Ash Shura Council's latest annual report, expressed appreciation for the heartfelt feelings spelled out by the Speaker and the Council's members.

The annual report includes the Majlis Ash Shura's activities and achievements.

Dr Bin Humaid had submitted to the King the annual report in line with the 25th article of the Majlis Ash Shura's system. He lauded the great support being extended to the Majlis Ash Shura by the King.

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A delegation of US cities' mayors visited today the Shura Council where they met members of the Saudi-US parliamentary friendship committee.

During the meeting, the delegation's members were briefed on the Shura Council and issues of common interest were discussed.

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Majlis Ash Shura l hosted a dinner party here tonight in honor of Arab-Japan Dialogue Forum participants.

Prominent dignitaries representing the parties of dialogue: Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Japan took part in the event which concluded earlier today.

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Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Salih bin Homaid opened here today the 6th meeting of the Arab-Japanese Dialogue Forum.

A speech ceremony was held on the occasion in which speakers highlighted support by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for dialogue and focused on the importance of dialogue in general and between the Arab peoples and the Japanese people in particular.

Following the speeches, the meeting discussed three working papers on the themes of the meeting.

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Presided over by its Speaker Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Homaid, the Shura Council held its ordinary 50th session in Riyadh today.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency following the session, Secretary General of the Shura Council Dr. Mohammad Alghamdi said the council approved the amendment of three memorandums of understanding in the field of air transport services between Saudi Arabia and three countries, India, Nigeria and Iran.

The council also approved an agreement to promote and protect investment between Saudi Arabia and Sweden.

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The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued today a royal decree appointing Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Hamzah Hajjar, Deputy Chairman of Shoura Council, at a rank of minister.

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Majlish Ash Shura Speaker Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Homaid received here today a French parliamentary delegation.

During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest between the two countries and Saudi-French strong relations.

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Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid met here today with a delegation of French mayors, currently on a visit to the Kingdom, headed by Jean-Claude Fortuih.

During the meeting, Dr. bin Homaid pointed to the strong relations between the Kingdom and France in various domains, especially parliamentary relations.

On the other hand, a number of members of the Council's Committee of Security Affairs and Committee of Foreign Affairs held here today a meeting with a delegation of the British Royal College of Defense Studies, currently on a visit to the Kingdom, headed by Admiral Charles Style, the Commander of the College.

The meeting discussed several issues of common concern between the two countries, especially in the field of security and military cooperation, as well as the enhancement of cooperation and academic, scientific and technical communication between the Kingdom and the British side in the field of military sciences.

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Majlis Ash Shura Speaker Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Homaid received here today the German Parliamentary Bloc's delegation for the Affairs of the Arab World and the Middle East in the German Parliament.

The meeting reviewed issues of common interest, Saudi-German relations and relations between the Shoura Council and the German parliament.

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Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura received here today Bangladesh’s Ambassador designate Mohammed Fazal Al-kareem.

During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues pertaining to the bilateral relations between the two countries.

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A Shura delegation participated in the coordination meeting of the Arab Group of International Parliamentary Union (IPU) to support the adoption of amendments to be undertaken by the IPU Council to ensure a permanent seat for Palestine in the Union.

The Arab Group also agreed to nominate Rashid Mohammed Khalfan Al-Sharifi from the United Arab Emirates to replace the representative of the Arab group in the Executive Committee of the International Parliamentary Union Abdulwahid Al-Radhi of the Moroccan parliament.

The meeting discussed the emergency item submitted by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt to address the global financial crisis. The Arab Group agreed to support this item to be on the agenda of the General Assembly of the Union.

The Shura Council delegation participating in the meeting consists of the Secretary-General of the Shura Council Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Ghamdi and a number of members and advisors of Shura Council.

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A Shura delegation, led by Dr Fihad al-Hamad, the member of the Shura, will participate in the first meeting for the executive committee of the Arab parliamentary union as well as the joint meeting of the union's legal committee and the secretaries general of the councils and parliamentarians.

Dr al-Hamad will be accompanied at the meetings due to be opened tomorrow, by Ahmad al- Yahya, the Shura's assistant secretary general, Fahd bin Shalhoub, the official of protocols and relations, and Hisham al-Faris and Salih al-Khayem, from the office of the parliamentary relations at the Shura.

The participants of the meetings are scheduled to review a number of issues of mutual interest.

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Shura Council Chairman Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Homaid met here today with visiting US Harvard University's John Kennedy College researcher Caren Eliot House who was briefed on the council's work during the meeting.

Meanwhile, member of the council Mohammad Albawardi met here today with a German reporter. During the meeting the reporter was briefed on the work of the council.

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The Shura Council held here today its 18th ordinary session presided over by the council's chairman Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Homaid.

During the session, Dr. Salih stressed that the annual speech delivered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz at the opening of works of the fourth year of the fourth session on Saturday 7/3/1429 H received the attention of the Council; government agencies; local, regional and international media; and political observers and analysts due to its transparency and clarity.

The presidency of the Council called on the committees and members to work according to the speech and to prepare frameworks for it .The annual speech included important points considered as a working strategy and commitment for the future at the national, regional and international level including the King's appreciation for the performance of the Council and its role; constructive criticism contributes to establishing truth; political stability essential to maintaining the entity of the state, achieving development and protecting achievements; the issuance of the allegiance-pledge system and its executive board; the formation of allegiance- pledge commission; modernization of the systems of justice and Grievances Court; improvement of existing infrastructure projects; increase in job opportunities for citizens; raising the standards of living; development of public and university education and training sector; and emphasis on tackling any problem emerging in Saudi society.

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Chairman of the Shura (Consultative) Council Dr Salih bin Humeid received here today Abdulaziz bin Suleiman Al-Turki and Khalid Omar Abdu Rabbu, Saudi ambassadors designate to Oman and Nigeria respectively.

He urged the ambassadors to work for enhancing the Kingdom's relations with the two countries.

Meanwhile, Dr Bin Humeid received here today Cameroon's ambassador to the Kingdom Mohamadou Labarang on the occasion of the end of his term of office in the country.

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A number of members of Saudi Shura (Consultative) Council led by Abdullah bin Saeed Abu Melhah participated in a workshop directed towards Arab parliamentarians on WTO Agreements at Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

Other Arab Parliaments' members also participated in the Forum in addition to experts from WTO and AMF.

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The Saudi-Spanish Parliamentary Friendship Committee at the Shura (Consultative) Council held here today a meeting under the chairmanship of Dr Waleed Arab Hashim, the head of the Committee and the Spanish ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Manuel Alabart.

They reviewed issues pertaining to bilateral relations, notably the parliamentary relations between the Shura and the Spanish parliament.

They also reviewed regional and international developments.

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Chairman of Shura Council Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid received here today Russian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Victor Coder Yavtsev.

Dr. Saleh received an official invitation to visit Russia in the framework of bilateral relations that bind the two friendly countries.

During the meeting, they discussed ways of enhancing joint parliamentary cooperation between Saudi Shura Council and the Russian Parliament.

The meeting was attended by a number of officials.