He said that the Speaker of the House in Congress has praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in combating terrorism and highlighted the importance of partnership in the international efforts to combat it since Sept. 11, 2001. Speaker Hastert, 62, is now serving his third term as Speaker and his ninth term as the Republican Congressman for Illinois 14th Congressional District. The 14th Congressional District re-elected Hastert in 2002 with 74 percent of the overall vote.--SPA1228 Local Time 0928 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/225078