French trade minister: Saudi Arabia strategic trade partner

French Minister of Foreign Trade Nicole Bricq said in a speech today that Saudi Arabia is pivotal to stability in the region and represents a strategic trade partner to France. This came during a meeting Mrs. Bricq held with visiting Saudi Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabee'a. In her speech, Mrs. Bricq also said Saudi Arabia enjoys very strong economic force, vast production and diversified energy sources in addition to a firm financial system that was steadfast in the face of the recent international financial crisis. For his part, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabee'a said that Saudi Arabia is committed to maintaining the strong political and commercial ties with France. He also stated that Saudi Arabia is going through an unprecedented development phase making it the right environment for investment opportunities in all fields. The meeting was also attended by Saudi ambassador to France Dr. Mohammed Al Alshaikh; Chairman of the Saudi French Business Council Dr. Mohammed bin Laden and the accompanying delegation.