(MENAFN - Arab News) Prince Charles, who wrapped a day's visit to the capital yesterday, commended the progressive move made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in allowing women to become members of the Shoura Council.
Prince Charles made the statement during his visit to the headquarters of the Shoura Council here. The visiting British crown prince held talks with the Shoura Council Chairman Abdulah Al-Asheikh and senior members of the council during his brief visit to the Shoura headquarters here.
"The decision to appoint 30 women as members of the Shoura Council is a vital step toward national participation in decision making," Prince Charles told the Shoura Council members.
In a brief statement, Prince Charles said he was delighted to visit the Kingdom and the Shoura Council. He praised the level of the existing bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the United Kingdom, which is further strengthened due to several areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Stressing on further improving relations between the two countries, the visiting Crown Prince said the parliamentary cooperation between the two countries should be further stepped up for mutual benefits.
Welcoming Prince Charles and his delegation, Al-Asheikh outlined the excellent bilateral relations maintained by the two countries.
The Shoura chairman also explained the council's history, formation, composition, functions and its international role as member of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) to the visiting British delegation.
Two weeks ago, the Shoura Council delegation with two of its female
members, returned to the Kingdom following a successful official tour to Britain.
The team was headed by Shoura Council Chairman Al-Asheikh and it also included two newly appointed female members of the Shoura Council, Dr. Thuraya Al-Obeid and Dr. Nihad Al-Jishi.
Prince Charles was hosted at a dinner banquet by Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, at his ranch Riyadh.
Crown Prince Salman accompanied the British heir apparent on a tour of Ouja Palace during which Prince Charles watched photographs and historical antiquities of the late King Abdulaziz and the city of Riyadh.
Prince Charles attended a session of the national dialogue at King Abdul Aziz Public Library here yesterday.
During his brief stay in Riyadh during the forenoon, Prince Charles also called on Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, commander of National Guard and minister minister of state and member of the cabinet. The prince also met the Chairman Kingdom Holding Company Prince Waleed bin Talal at his office in Riyadh.
In a statement issued on the occasion it was said the visit of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall signifies the existing robust and deep bonds between the Kingdom and Britain, which serve as a great contributor to the bilateral and regional cooperation. "The visit also signified the relations which are underpinned by the close personal friendship that exists between the Prince of Wales and members of the Saudi royal family," it added.
Prince Charles left for Jeddah in the afternoon, where he is slated to meet the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, OIC officials. He was seen off by Riyadh Governor Prince Khalid bin Bandar at the Riyadh Airbase yesterday.
