(Pledge to cooperate in search for lasting peace in Mideast)
May 4, 1998
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia -- Vice President Al Gore and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz met May 1 and 2 to discuss topics of mutual interest and concern.
In a joint statement following their meetings, the two leaders pledged to cooperate fully in the search for just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 and the concept of land for peace. Further, they agreed that the best way to achieve the peace so greatly desired is by full implementation of each side's obligations made at the Oslo and Washington accords.
The Vice President reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to the security and stability of the Gulf region.
The leaders also discussed Iraq and its compliance with U.N. resolutions;
the recent developments in Iranian policy; the situation in Afghanistan, and economic and environmental issues.
The Crown Prince accepted an invitation from Vice President Gore to visit the United States, at a date to be agreed on later.
Following is the text of the May 2 joint statement, released May 3:
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Office of the Vice President
For Immediate Release
Sunday, May 3, 1998
JOINT STATEMENT
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
May 2, 1998
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia -- Vice President Gore visited Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz May 1 and 2, 1998. The visit is in the framework of the close, strong and historic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, and the desire of both governments to have periodic high level consultations to assure coordination of policies that affect mutual interests. Vice President Gore was received by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Fahd Bin Abdulaziz. Also in attendance with the Crown Prince were the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Aviation Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz and the Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal.
The two sides discussed topics of mutual interest and concern. Both sides pledged to cooperate fully in the search for just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 and the concept of land for peace. Further, they agreed that the best way to achieve the peace so greatly desired is by full implementation of each side's obligations made at the Oslo and Washington accords. Vice President Gore updated the Saudi side on America's vigorous efforts to put the peace process back on track, including details of planned meetings in London between Secretary of State Albright and the Palestinian and Israeli leaders. Saudi Arabia expressed its full support for the peace efforts exerted by the United States and Saudi Arabia's willingness to support whatever the Palestinian side agrees to in the service of peace. Saudi Arabia expects the two sides to strictly abide by their obligations. Saudi Arabia expressed also its concern for the policies of the government of Israel and called on Israel to fully implement the Oslo and Washington accords and to cooperate with the United States initiative to reinvigorate the process. At the same time, the two sides underscored the importance of resuming negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks of the peace process as soon as possible, which will allow the whole peace process to go back to its natural course. Both countries expressed their support for the implementation of Resolutions 425 and 426.
The two sides discussed the situation in the Gulf. The Vice President reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to the security and the stability of this vital area in light of the external threats it faces. The United States and Saudi Arabia call upon Iraq to fully implement Security Council resolutions including providing full disclosure of its programs for weapons of mass destruction. Both governments expressed their concern about the latest report of the UNSCOM Chairman, which indicates that the government of Iraq is not complying with either the letter or the spirit of the UN Security Council Resolutions. They agree that the Iraqi regime is solely responsible for the continuation of sanctions. Both sides expressed the hope that Iraq would quickly comply with all the UN resolutions so that the suffering of the Iraqi people can be alleviated. In the meantime, both sides welcome the implementation of Resolution 1153 which seeks to relieve the suffering.
The two sides noted with interest the recent developments in Iranian policy, and looked forward to seeing the emerging moderate tone translated into actual policies that would be conducive to the improvement of Iran's relations with its neighbors and the international community at large and promote peace and stability in the region. They discussed the situation in Afghanistan, and expressed support for the efforts of the United Nations and OIC aiming at a peaceful resolution and an end to the fighting. Also, both sides reaffirmed the danger and threat that terrorism constitutes for international security and stability.
They reviewed the current state of the international economy and agreed that both sides should continue to consult closely. They discussed the importance of Saudi Arabia remaining a secure and reliable supplier of energy resources to the entire world, especially the United States. The Vice President expressed support for Saudi Arabia's desire to accede to the World Trade Organization. The two sides also discussed the recent conference in Kyoto on global warming. They decided to fully consult and cooperate on the issues related to this problem.
Vice President Gore extended an invitation to the Crown Prince to visit the United States. The Crown Prince accepted the invitation and the two sides will agree on a mutually acceptable date for this visit, hopefully before the end of this calendar year.
The Vice President and Mrs. Gore expressed their appreciation for the generous hospitality given by their Saudi Arabian hosts and particularly for the opportunity for the Vice President to meet with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Vice President conveyed the sincere greetings of President Clinton and the American people to the Custodian and thanked him for his support and friendship through the years. The Vice President wished the Custodian good health and long life.
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