New era in US-Arab relations

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, who chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace, briefed the ministers on the outcome of his talks with Obama here last week, adding that the talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties. ?Our talks also centered on major regional issues, most importantly the Palestinian issue and the US plan to open a new phase of positive relations with the Arab and Islamic world,? the Saudi Press Agency quoted a Cabinet statement as saying. Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja said the Cabinet described Obama?s speech as a harbinger of better relations between the US and the Muslim world. ?It will pave the way, God willing, for a constructive, effective and real dialogue between the two sides in particular and other cultures in general in order to resolve major issues in the region and the world,? the minister quoted the Cabinet as saying. The Cabinet statement said Obama?s call to strengthen cooperation between peoples endorsed King Abdullah?s initiative to promote dialogue among followers of different faiths and cultures, inspired by the teachings of Islam. ?The religion of Islam calls for tolerance, cooperation, peace, justice and love,? it added; Kazinform cites the Arab News. See www.arabnews.com for full version