President Yen Chia-kan of the Republic of China made a three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of King Khaled bin Adbul Aziz Al Saud beginning July 9. Mrs. Yen, Premier Chiang Ching-kuo, leaders of the government and the foreign diplomatic corps were present at the Taipei airport to see him off. President Yen, accompanied by a group of government officials, arrived at Jeddah on the morning of July 10. King Khaled and high-ranking civilian and military officials greeted President Yen at the airport and presented a military salute as welcome. During his three-day visit, President Yen and King Khaled held six talks. The Republic of China chief of state also visited various important cultural and economic establishments. Through the arrangements of the reception unit, President Yen received representatives of his country's technical groups and overseas Chinese in Saudi Arabia. He talked with them and expressed his commendation for their contributions to international friendship and good will.
President Yen and King Khaled issued a joint communique at the end of the visit. It stressed that both leaders were gratified by the continuous development in political, economic and technical relations between their countries. They shared identical ideals and aspirations, the communique stated, believing as they did that the foundation of traditional friendship, based on high moral principles and fraternal solidarity, was both firm and enduring. The king and the president reaffirmed the common cause of their countries and peoples in upholding peace, freedom and human rights and opposing all forms of aggression, oppression and prejudice. Their countries agreed to cooperate in military personnel training and supplies of arms equipment. As far as economic developments are concerned, cooperation in such industries as sugar, fertilizer, transportation, construction and power already is under way. The Republic of China will send additional experts and technicians to assist in construction work. President Yen ended his visit July 12 and returned to Taipei. His visit was hailed as further cementing the friendly relations between the Republic of China and Saudi Arabia, and as a model of moral diplomacy for the world.
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President Yen Chia-kan of the Republic of China and King Khaled of Saudi Arabia hold friendly talks in the royal palace.
President Yen waves his hat to express his thanks just before his take-off for Saudi Arabia
Premier Chiang at the airport for President Yen's departure
Chinese and the Saudi Arabians welcome President Yen.
Officials of both countries meet in a pleasant atmosphere.
Chinese residents of Saudi Arabia line up to greet President Yen.
Premier Chiang Ching-kuo heads government officials at the Taipei airport welcoming President Yen on his return.
This beautiful palace was President Yen's temporary living place in Saudi Arabia.
President Yen answers question at a press conference.
President Yen visits the Saudi Air Defense School.
Vehicles on parade on the golden sand