Saudi Arabia looks eastwards

The visit of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud to Japan, Singapore and Pakistan comes within the context of Saudi Arabia's active foreign policy with its Asian neighbours. Although there are many implications, the most important is to create stronger economic relationships and to strengthen existing political relationships, especially with Japan.

Both Riyadh and Tokyo have enjoyed 50 years of uninterrupted good relations; therefore, it is important that these relations be continuously revitalised. In a fast-moving world of dynamic geopolitical changes, world leaders should maintain constant communication.

This is exactly what the crown prince is doing in his meetings with the leaders of Japan, Singapore and Pakistan.

Japan is a major trading partner of Saudi Arabia. It imports a large percentage of its oil needs from the Kingdom and has many investments and joint projects with it. It is a true partnership, as Saudi Arabia also imports many products from Japan. However, the message that all these countries should receive is that Saudi Arabia is a stable source for their energy needs and continues to boost its resources to meet those growing needs.

It also should be clear the Kingdom always has demonstrated both concern and understanding through various measures to ensure that their economies and those of other less-developed Asian nations are spared the effects of spiralling oil prices, which are driven up more by a variety of market forces rather than by any intent of the Kingdom or Opec.

Our world is beset by many problems; foremost among them is terrorism, which has assumed the proportions of a plague. Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of the fight against terror and has suffered from terrorism. Parallel to the fight against terrorism, the Kingdom's leadership is pressing ahead with reforms to create a civil society that will usher in a new era of prosperity for its people.

Japanese education

The Kingdom and Japan can benefit from each other's experiences. Many Saudi students are studying in Japan, and, as the crown prince advised Saudi students on Wednesday at a Tokyo meeting, their return is anxiously awaited so that they can take up positive roles, both in serving their country and shaping its future.

Starting today, in Singapore the talks also are expected to focus on several key issues. Singapore is another hub of Asian economic activity as well as a major trading partner. Relations with Singapore should be better. Both the people and the leaders of that nation need to develop their own view of Saudi Arabia based on their own interactions as opposed to accepting flawed and often self-serving foreign viewpoints.

From its inception in the times of the late king Abdul Aziz, the Kingdom's foreign policy has been one of respect for others' concerns. It has always adhered to the principle of noninterference. The crown prince speaks with candour and his message is simple and clear that we as a country believe economic stability and growth come in a tension-free political environment.

As a member of the UN, Arab League and Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the Kingdom has always striven to support the international initiatives that strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations among the nations of the world.

In Pakistan, a country very close to Saudi Arabia, the visit, starting Saturday, will further reinforce those ties. It is in the interest of Saudi Arabia and countries of the Gulf that the subcontinent be tension free and that both India and Pakistan resolve all their disputes so that the people of both nations can enjoy the fruits of economic development.

In my recent conversations with political analysts, they all said Crown Prince Sultan's visit will help foster better understanding, clear up misconceptions, project goodwill and enhance world peace.

"These are precisely the principles upon which the Kingdom has always based its foreign policy," I replied. It is a consistent message, which should be understood across Asia, from the farthest shores of the islands of Japan to the nearest uplands of the subcontinent. It is also an enduring message as the crown prince again extends the hand of friendship to the people of Asia from the people of the Arabian Peninsula.

Khaled Al Maeena is the Editor-in-Chief of the Jeddah-based Arab News.