Arab leaders heading to summit

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 27 (UPI) -- King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia said Tuesday he hoped this week's summit of Arab leaders enables their countries to address international issues with clarity.

"The summit is an expression of free and independent Arab will that addresses the hopes and aspirations of the Arab people and supports every effort that protects joint Arab interests," Abdullah said at the weekly Cabinet meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Arab News reported.

Abdullah said he hoped the two-day summit, which begins Wednesday in Riyadh, would strengthen the Arab world's Islamic and national identity and help them meet their economic, political and cultural challenges, Arab News reported.