During the meetings an exchange took place on bilateral issues and the global financial and economic crisis. Issues to do with the inter-faith dialogue, the minaret initiative and important regional issues were also discussed. Both sides welcomed the good bilateral relations and reiterated their willingness to intensify cooperation on the political and economical levels.

In addition President Merz used the meeting with the Finance Minister and the Governor of the Monetary Agency to discuss with Saudi Arabia, as a G-20 country, measures to combat the global financial and economic crisis, to open talks on topics to do with international financial institutions such as the IMF and to explain Switzerland's stance on the OECD. In addition both sides discussed promoting mutual investments on the basis of the Investment Protection Agreement which only recently came into force and intend to start negotiations to conclude a double taxation agreement. The imminent signing of a free-trade agreement with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf within the scope of the European Free Trade Association was also discussed, together with a bilateral Air Transport Agreement and intensification of economic ties.

The meeting of President Merz with the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs and the Foreign Minister served as an exchange on the questions of human rights, cooperation in international organisations and in combating crime. In addition, the Chairman of the Shura (consultation) Council received the President for a courtesy call.

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