The Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan has lauded the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz and his Crown Prince, in the service of world peace and development.

Annan expressed hope that this role would continue, describing it as valuable and responsible. In a press statement published by the Al-Jazeerah (Arab peninsula) newspaper here today, Annan praised the participation of Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz in the United Nations’ Millennium Summit.

He praised the role of the Kingdom in facilitating and securing the access of Muslims to Islamic sacred places, particularly their two Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform their rituals in comfort and ease.

Annan also paid tribute to the Kingdom's policy on the expansion of agriculture and industry and diversification of economic activity.

He also expressed gratitude to the government of the Kingdom for its efforts in financing a great deal of the United Nations’ programs. He said such programs have helped the United Nations to enhance its mission in peacekeeping and development projects in several parts of the world.

He said the Kingdom, due to its important position in the Islamic world and influential position in OPEC, is expected to play an invaluable role for many years to come. The United Nations is committed to working with the Kingdom on these issues, he said.

Source: SPA