Full speech of King Salman at the end of President Trump's visit

King Salman delivering his speech during the Arab Islamic-American Summit in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA photo)
Updated 22 May 2017
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Full speech of King Salman at the end of President Trump's visit

"In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most gracious.
All praise is due to Allah, and Allah's peace and blessings be upon His messenger.

Mr. President Donald Trump of the United States of America; Your Majesty, Excellencies and Highnesses:

I welcome you in your second country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. May the leaders of the Arab and Muslim worlds allow me to welcome His Excellency President Donald Trump of the United States of America to an unprecedented historic summit that is being held at a very important and extremely serious time.

Our meeting with His Excellency President of the United States of America, a country enjoying strong bonds of friendship and relationship with many of our countries, does reflect His Excellency's keenness on enhancing cooperation and coordinating stances in various fields. The meeting significantly shows that our 55 Arab and Islamic countries attending the summit today with a population exceeding 1.5 billion, are an important partner in fighting the forces of extremism and terrorism and achieving world peace, security and stability. His Excellency holds many hopes and aspirations for cooperation with the Arab and Muslim world.

As we extend our thanks to and appreciation of His Excellency for his response to attend and participate in this summit, we reaffirm our happiness and gratitude for His Excellency's choice of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and this summit as His Excellency's first trip and external participation since assuming office. This does reflect the care given by His Excellency and his country to this summit. At the same time, we reaffirm that we share His Excellency the same noble feelings in terms of constructive cooperation to renounce extremism and work on countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, drying-up its sources, stopping all means of financing or disseminating terrorism, and firmly addressing this serious scourge on humanity as a whole.

We are meeting today at this summit to express the seriousness in taking rapid steps to promote a genuine partnership with the friendly United States of America in a way that serves our common interests and contributes to achieving security, peace and development for all mankind, which is confirmed by our Islamic religion.

Dear brothers and friends:
Due to our responsibility before Allah and then before our peoples and the world, we have to stand united to fight the forces of evil and extremism whatever their source, in compliance with the orders of our true Islamic religion. Islam was and will remain the religion of mercy, tolerance and coexistence which were confirmed by clear examples. During its bright eras, Islam provided the best examples in coexistence and harmony among interreligious and intercultural. But today, we see some who considered themselves as Muslims seek to present a distorted image of our religion where they seek to link this great religion with violence.

We say to our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters of Muslims everywhere that one of the most important purposes of Islamic law is self-preservation and there is no honor in committing crimes. Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. Islam urged reconstruction of the land and prohibition of destruction and corruption. Islam considered killing an innocent as killing all people. Our way to achieve purposes of our religion and win the paradise is to spread the tolerant values of Islam based on peace, moderation and prevention of destruction and corruption on the ground.

We, as countries and peoples, condemn all forms of harm to relations of the Islamic countries with the friendly countries and classification of peoples and states based on religious or sectarian basis. Such abhorrent acts are only made as a result of attempts to exploit Islam as a cover for political purposes that fuel hatred, extremism, terrorism and religious and sectarian conflicts. The Iranian regime and its affiliated groups and organizations such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, as well as ISIS (Daesh) and Al-Qaeda and others are clear examples.

The Iranian regime spearheads the global terrorism since Khomeini revolution until today. Since 300 years ago, we, in this country, did not witness terrorism or extremism until Khomeini revolution emerged in 1979.

Iran has rejected initiatives of good neighborhood provided by our countries based on good faith. Iran replaced these initiatives with expansionist ambitions, criminal practices, interferences in the internal affairs of other countries, flagrant violations of the international law, and violations of the principles of good-neighborliness, coexistence and mutual respect.

The Iranian regime erroneously thought that our silence a sign of weakness and our wisdom a retreat. Later on, we had enough of its hostile practices and interventions, as we have seen in Yemen and other countries in the region.
We say this, as we confirm, at the same time, our appreciation of and respect to the Iranian people, who will not be blamed for the crimes of their regime.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long suffered from and was a target of terrorism because it is the focus of Islam and Qibla of Muslims. The terrorist thought is seeking to achieve its fake legitimacy and spreading through targeting Muslims Qibla and center of their gravity.
Thanks to Allah Almighty, we have succeeded to confront the terrorist acts, thwarted numerous terror attempts and helped our friendly countries all over the world to evade plots targeting their security and destabilizing their well-being.

Dear Brothers and Friends:

Pursuant to the efforts being exerted to fight terrorism, the Gulf Cooperation Council member countries concluded today a historic arrangement with the United States of America for taking firm measures to foil terror financing, i.e. establishing a center in the city of Riyadh aiming to root-out the sources of finance of terrorism. Thus, we look forward to more countries to join the center in future. This arrangement would be taken as an example as it is based on our current efforts in this regard. In the name of my brothers the leaders of Islamic countries now convening in Riyadh, I once again confirm that we would never be lenient in sending to justice whoever finance or support terrorism in any form or under any manifestation as he would be subject to decisive justice.

Mr. President,

Dear Bothers and Friends,

As part of our war against terrorism, we confirm our determination to wipe out Daesh organization and other terrorist organizations, regardless of their religion, sect or thought. This is why we have formed the Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism, considered a pioneering step to besiege terrorism.

Terrorism is a result of extremism, no doubt. Amid the need to confront it, we announce today the launch of the International Center for Combating Extremism, a measure aiming, in collaboration with peace-loving countries and international organizations, at spreading the principles of moderation, confronting the attempts to lure the juniors, vaccinating families and societies against deviant thought and waging a fierce war against the weak logic and controversy of the terrorists.
Rooting-out terrorism will not be achieved through direct confrontation only, but also through achieving sustainable development in its capacity as the most successful vaccinating dose, with the help of God Almighty, a notion embodied in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's vision 2030 in all its aspects, citing the keenness to invest in the youths, empowering of women, diversifying the economy and developing the education. No doubt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia supports and encourages every orientation of the brotherly and friendly countries aiming at activating sustainable development in their countries.

We stress that achieving peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis is a just and necessary quest that requires joint sacrifices and sincere determination for the interest of all. The international community ought to intensify efforts to find a solution to the Syrian crisis to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people and preserve Syria's unity and sovereignty.

Your Majesties, Excellences and Highnesses:

The hopes and aspirations of our peoples are great, and our responsibilities to achieve these aspirations are immense, but your concern and keenness will make us resolute to face these duties. We are determined to hold on to development as a strategic goal to confront extremism and terrorism and provide a prosperous life.

May Allah help us all to achieve success in what brings the good to our peoples. Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you".


Kuwait’s crown prince meets foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia and other GCC nations

Updated 27 December 2024
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Kuwait’s crown prince meets foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia and other GCC nations

  • Meeting takes place on sidelines of 46th extraordinary meeting of GCC’s Ministerial Council, during which ministers discuss developments in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza

RIYADH: The crown prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, met the Saudi minister of foreign affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and the foreign ministers of other Gulf Cooperation Council member states at Bayan Palace in Kuwait City on Thursday

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 46th extraordinary meeting of the GCC’s Ministerial Council, during which ministers and other officials discussed the latest developments in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza.

They stressed the need to uphold Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the aftermath of the fall of President Bashar Assad’s regime this month, and condemned Israeli authorities for their attacks against Syria and Lebanon.

They also affirmed the GCC’s support for the Palestinian people and called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.


Makkah’s cultural gem offers journey through history and faith 

Updated 27 December 2024
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Makkah’s cultural gem offers journey through history and faith 

  • Hira Cultural District has books, gifts and special cuisine
  • ‘Revelation Exhibition’ focuses on messages to prophets 

MAKKAH: As winter arrives, the Hira Cultural District in Makkah, a landmark destination combining history, knowledge and services for tourists, has emerged as a hub for residents and visitors seeking cultural and recreational experiences. 

At the heart of the district lies the “Revelation Exhibition,” which vividly narrates the story of divine messages to the prophets. It features a section focused on the life of Prophet Muhammad and the significance of Hira Mountain. 

Using cutting-edge audiovisual technology, the exhibition is an immersive and enriching journey through Islamic history, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The district’s cultural library offers a treasure trove of information on the history of Makkah and Madinah, the life of the prophet, and the legacy of Hira Mountain and its surrounding areas.

This knowledge can be explored through books, scientific references, and interactive displays. 

Beyond its historical and educational appeal, the cultural district constitutes a vibrant destination for leisure and commerce.

Restaurants and cafes serve a mix of local dishes inspired by Makkah’s heritage alongside international cuisine, while shops offer unique gifts and souvenirs reflecting the district's identity. 

The Saudi Coffee Museum adds a distinctive flavor to the experience. Here guests can savor traditional Saudi coffee while learning about its regional variations and preparation methods. 

For those seeking adventure, the district provides access to the Cave of Hira via a specially paved pathway, allowing visitors to connect with the site’s spiritual and historical significance. 

A visitors’ center provides comprehensive information on the district’s features, services and cultural offerings.


Saudi attorney general holds talks with Turkish counterpart in Makkah

Updated 27 December 2024
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Saudi attorney general holds talks with Turkish counterpart in Makkah

MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s attorney general, Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib, praised the strong relationship between the Kingdom and Turkiye as he welcomed a delegation led by his Turkish counterpart, Muhsin Senturk, to Makkah on Thursday.

The officials discussed legal collaborations between their nations and affirmed their desire to enhance judicial cooperation to serve common interests, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Indulge in the magical wizarding World of Harry Potter at Riyadh Season

Updated 27 December 2024
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Indulge in the magical wizarding World of Harry Potter at Riyadh Season

  • The pop-up experience offers fans of all ages an immersive opportunity to step into the magical universe of witches, wizards and muggles

RIYADH: Harry Potter: A Riyadh Season Adventure is one of the many enthralling and enchanting experiences on offer at Riyadh Season this year.

The pop-up experience, brought to life by Warner Bros., offers fans of all ages an immersive opportunity to step into the magical universe of witches, wizards and muggles.

Set in the vibrant Boulevard City, the area is designed to showcase some of the most iconic locations from the beloved film series, such as Hogwarts and others.

Interactive technology plays a significant role in the experience. Guests can take part in a Great Hall Sorting Experience, where they find out which Hogwarts house they belong to, and engage in Quidditch activities, as well as practice their Quaffle skills on the pitch.

There is also a zone where visitors can try wands and cast magical words they learned from the film series, like “Expecto Patronum.”

For those looking to take a piece of the magic home, the Wizarding World Shops offer exclusive merchandise, ranging from wands to house scarves, and the Three Broomsticks Food Hall offers refreshing drinks, cupcakes and other desserts.

Costumes are a big part of the fun experience, and there is a dedicated area for shopping, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect outfit to enhance their visit.

Maram Al-Ruwaili, a passionate fan dressed as a Slytherin, shared her excitement: “I’ve been a Potterhead since 2003. Now at 31, I still consider myself a big fan. I’ve tried one Harry Potter experience before, but not in Saudi Arabia.

“This time, sitting in the Great Hall, surrounded by sound effects from the films, made it feel like we were true Hogwarts students. The atmosphere, especially with the Dementors and Christmas sounds, was magical.”

The event has attracted a diverse crowd, including international visitors.

Nanditha Krishnakumar, an enthusiastic attendee from India, expressed her love for the experience: “I’ve adored Harry Potter since childhood, and this is truly amazing. It feels so lifelike and brings my dreams to life. I love Slytherin; it might seem like an evil house, but it’s one of my favorites. I can’t wait to see what else is in store.”

Aisleen de Asis, a nurse who has lived in Saudi Arabia for almost a decade, shared her perspective: “Harry Potter is a significant part of my childhood. I heard about this experience from friends and colleagues who enjoyed it, and I had to check it out myself. Being here brings back so many nostalgic memories.”

The Harry Potter experience at Riyadh Season also celebrates community and shared passion.

Fans from various backgrounds are coming together to relive the magic of their childhood, creating connections through their love for the series.

The excitement is palpable, as visitors share their stories, dress up as their favorite characters, and take part in the interactive activities that bring the magic of the books and films to life.

Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the series, the magical experience is not to be missed.


Misk Foundation celebrates NGO graduates

Updated 26 December 2024
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Misk Foundation celebrates NGO graduates

RIYADH: The Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, also known as Misk, celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of the Misk Initiatives Incubator and Impact Accelerator programs at a ceremony held recently at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha and Misk Foundation CEO Badr Al-Badr, along with representatives of government agencies, NGOs and donors, attended the ceremony.

During the event, 11 youth initiatives were transformed into nonprofit organizations with the support of the Misk Initiatives Incubator program. Four NGOs were empowered through the Impact Accelerator program, contributing to achieving the objectives of the nonprofit sector and enhancing the role of young people in development.

Fifteen NGOs took part in the two programs, benefiting 177 people. They were provided with more than 2,000 hours of mentorship and financial grants exceeding SR7 million ($1.86 million) to support the implementation of projects serving young people. The ceremony also featured inspiring success stories, highlighting future projects aimed at amplifying social impact.