Joint Saudi Arabia-United States Communique
(February 13, 1985)
The State visit of His Majesty King
Fahd bin `Abd al-`Aziz Al Sa`ud has
reaffirmed the long-standing bonds of friendship and mutually beneficial
cooperation that have existed between the United States and Saudi
Arabia for over fifty years. In their meetings on February 11 and 12, President Reagan and King Fahd concentrated on the search for a just, stable and
lasting solution to the Arab-Israel conflict, which the two leaders agreed
was their primary concern.
The King expressed his belief that the Arab consensus
defined in the communique issued at Fez in September 1982 provided a
just basis for negotiations leading to a comprehensive peace. The President
expressed his appreciation for the Fez consensus, positive elements
of which have been recognized by the United States. He reaffirmed his
continuing commitment to the positions for peace which he announced
on September 1, 1982, and renewed his pledge that the United States
will support those positions in direct negotiations involving the parties
most concerned.
In their discussions, the President and the King stressed
that a stable peace must provide security for all states in the area
and for the exercise of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Both agreed to maintain their dialogue on this urgent issue.
The two leaders discussed the situation in Lebanon
and agreed on the need for rapid restoration of its sovereignty, independence
and territorial integrity.
The President and the King discussed the continuing
war between Iran and Iraq. They deplored the tragic loss of life and
destruction it has brought and the threat to regional stability and
peace which it poses. They pledged to continue to support efforts to
bring the fighting to a speedy end.
The discussions between the President and the King,
to which cabinet members and ministers contributed, charted the course
for continued development of U.S.-Saudi relations. In this regard, Saudi
Arabia's emergence as an exporter of industrial goods, as well as of
crude oil, was examined in the light of the United States' traditional
commitment to open markets for goods and investment. The delegations
of the two countries foresaw growth and rising mutual benefit from a
sustained partnership in trade, development and regional cooperation
that joins Saudi resources and aspirations with American technological
leadership.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |