Full speech of Jordan's King Abdullah II at the Arab Islamic-American Summit

King Abdullah II of Jordan attending the Arab Islamic-American Summit in Riyadh on Sunday. (Courtesy: Jordanian Royal Court)
Updated 22 May 2017
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Full speech of Jordan's King Abdullah II at the Arab Islamic-American Summit

In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate,

Prayers and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad,

Your Majesties,
Your Highnesses,
Excellencies,
President Donald Trump,

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.

Let me start by thanking my brother, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its hospitality and graciously hosting this summit.

Mr. President,

Allow me to express my gratitude for taking this step to reach out to Muslim nations, and making it a priority on your first foreign tour as President of the United States.

We meet today to advance an effective response to the serious threats facing our world. The future for all of us will be shaped by the actions—as you pointed out—we take now, and we all have to work in partnership in four key areas. Let me say a brief word about each:

First and foremost, is the grave challenge of terrorism and extremism. Only a holistic approach can address the complex layers of the threat, from its evil ideas to its attack on prosperity and security. As you have mentioned, this demands coordinated and global action at every level.

Success requires our mutual trust as well as our strength. The fight will not be won if we do not recognise our friends as our friends and our enemies as our enemies.

Terrorist groups employ a false religious identity. Their aim is to mislead and polarise our societies and peoples. Let us state here, clearly: Terrorist groups do not inhabit the fringes of Islam—they are altogether outside of Islam; they are khawarej, outlaws of Islam. Arabs and Muslims, as you pointed out, Sir, make up the majority of their victims.
Intolerance and ignorance will only aid terror groups. It is vital to help everyone, everywhere, understand this.

Mr. President,

A second and equally vital challenge is a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian cause, based on the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative. This can bring an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and guarantees peace for all—Israelis, Arabs, and Muslims.

No injustice has spread more bitter fruit than the absence of a Palestinian state. This is the core issue for our region, and it has driven radicalism and instability beyond our region and into the Muslim world.

The international community has a direct interest in a just peace. The Arab and Muslim world has offered its full support for effective negotiations.

And here, Sir, I would like to thank you for your determination to work towards bringing a settlement to this festering conflict. We will stand by you, Sir, in your efforts and work with you as partners.

Third, safeguarding Jerusalem must be a priority. The Holy City is a strategic linchpin, vital to relationships among the three monotheistic faiths. Attempts to create new negotiating facts on the ground will have a catastrophic impact.

All of us must engage in averting these dangers. To me personally, and to all Jordanians, the Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian Holy Sites is an unbreakable, historical responsibility, and an honour to undertake on behalf of the Arab and Muslim nations.

Mr. President,

A fourth critical task is to sharpen public focus on the values that will protect and enrich humanity’s future: mutual respect, compassion, and acceptance.

In the Muslim world, the voice of traditional, moderate Islam has been stronger in recent years. We need to continue to build on that.

Twelve years ago we were proud to inaugurate the Amman Message, which among other outcomes has been an historic, global consensus by Muslim scholars—agreeing who is a Muslim, forbidding Takfir, and explicitly recognising the validity of the eight Mathahibs of Islam.

The Three Articles of the Amman Message expose the false claims of those who would exploit religion to divide us. As Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:

In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate,

“The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy.”
[Al-Hujurat 49.10]

Mr. President,

There are nearly two billion Muslim men and women today, who enrich our world with their kindness, generosity, justice, civic family duty, and faith. Their lives express Islam’s teachings on acceptance, humility before God, compassion, and peaceful co-existence.

Our future is based on deeds, Sir, not words. We are all accountable for our commitment to fight radicalisation in all its forms.

Your Majesties,
Your Highnesses,
Excellencies,
President Donald Trump,

We must enhance our joint efforts, so that we are better able, with God’s help, to serve our peoples and future generations.

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.


Umrah guests praise Kingdom’s rich heritage

Updated 10 sec ago
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Umrah guests praise Kingdom’s rich heritage

  • Sheikh Khadem Mbaki, a preacher from Senegal, expressed his joy at witnessing Madinah’s rich cultural and historical heritage
  • Ali Coulibaly from Mali said that the Kingdom is a global religious and cultural destination

RIYADH: Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visit praised Saudi Arabia’s development and progress across various fields.

They commended efforts to preserve religious sites and historical monuments, highlighting a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their tour of religious sites and monuments in Madinah, part of a program organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, they expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for hosting them.

Sheikh Khadem Mbaki, a preacher from Senegal, expressed his joy at witnessing Madinah’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

He highlighted how the sites reflect various aspects of Islamic civilization, and praised the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving these important landmarks.

Mbaki also acknowledged the Kingdom’s efforts to ensure the well-being of visitors and Umrah performers from around the world.

Ali Coulibaly from Mali said that the Kingdom is a global religious and cultural destination due to its many historical monuments and archaeological sites in regions like AlUla and NEOM.

He also noted the rapid development of infrastructure projects, which enhance the Kingdom’s ability to welcome tourists and visitors and provide year-round access to these historical and cultural sites.

Mohammed Abdo Abu Yaali from Morocco praised the cultural and historical richness he experienced during his visit to Madinah’s historical sites.

He appreciated the in-depth explanations about the significance of these sites as well as their connection to Islamic history and the life of the Prophet.

Amin Baddad from Algeria expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Saudi leadership for hosting him to visit Madinah and perform Umrah.

He shared the beautiful memories created during his visit and prayed to Allah to reward those responsible for the program for their efforts.


Saudi FM holds phone call with Malaysian counterpart

Updated 29 min 42 sec ago
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Saudi FM holds phone call with Malaysian counterpart

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call on Monday with his Malaysian counterpart, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan.

During the call, the chief diplomats discussed relations between Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Outgoing US ambassador praises transformation in Saudi Arabia

Updated 47 min 55 sec ago
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Outgoing US ambassador praises transformation in Saudi Arabia

  • Ambassadors from the US, Egypt and Oman bid farewell to the Kingdom
  • Dean of the diplomatic corps hosts farewell ceremony for outgoing envoys

RIYADH: The dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, hosted a farewell ceremony for outgoing ambassadors of the United States, Egypt and Oman at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh on Monday.

“We have gathered here for ambassador of Egypt, Ahmed Farouk, ambassador of Oman, Sayyid Faisal bin Turki, and the US ambassador Michael Ratney. The meeting marks the conclusion of their tenure as ambassador to Saudi Arabia. We have them here representing three continents, Africa, Asia and America,” Bamakhrama said in his opening remarks.

“All of them were very close to me and to many of our colleagues. Ambassador Farouk was here for more than five years, which is extraordinary for an Egyptian ambassador. Sayyid Faisal was my neighbor in the DQ (diplomatic quarter) and we had a great time. Michael has been here for two years. I wish them all the very best in their future endeavors. We will miss you, and wishing you all the best,” said Bamakhrama, who is also Djibouti’s ambassador in Riyadh.

On behalf of the diplomatic corps Bamakhrama presented souvenirs to the outgoing ambassadors.

At the same event he introduced new ambassadors in Riyadh from Romania, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Palestine, Peru and Uruguay.

Ratney, in his farewell speech, said: “I wish I were staying in this country longer. It’s been, for me, an amazing experience to have a front row seat for what’s going on in Saudi Arabia, the amazing transformations of this country. And to have played even a small part in strengthening the relationship between Saudi Arabia and my country was an honor.

“Saudi Arabia is a country of tribes,” he said. “I feel like you are my tribe. Every time I walk in this room or one of your homes or an event, I feel like I am home. And I tell you, when I got to the country and started meeting the diplomats, I remarked that the quality of diplomats that all of your governments were sending to Saudi Arabia was extraordinary. And I thought, I need to step up my game. You all gave me a standard to try to meet, and it’s been just an extraordinary pleasure every time I am with you. I will miss all of you. I hope this is the end of my 34-year diplomatic career, and it’s time to move on.”

Farouk at the gathering said: “Thank you all for convening all our distinguished colleagues here. I have mixed feelings after 40 years of diplomacy since 1985. This is the end of my diplomatic career, and I believe that life has to come to a crossroads sometime.”

On a lighter note he added that sometimes there is a chance to make a U-turn and come back.

“I am glad, and I feel that I have achieved something for my country in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “I wish you all the best and wish the very best in your future endeavors, we will be in touch.”

Bin Turki said: “Just like my colleagues, I think, I definitely have mixed feelings. As a non-diplomat, I joined the ministry of foreign affairs in 2017. I never thought I would be appointed as an ambassador, but I ended up being an ambassador. And the first thing I had in mind when I came here, I said I wish they would give ambassadors a manual, the do’s and don’ts, but it doesn’t happen.

“For someone who is not coming from that background it’s quite a challenge. And the first thing I told my team when I walked into the embassy, I said, I have two options: I either become a classic ambassador, or someone who thinks out of the box. And I said, you will be teaching me everything that you are good at as diplomats, and I will be sharing with you everything that I know as a non-diplomat. And now I am the new diplomat. And it has been an extraordinary journey in this country, an amazing place. Four years, and it feels like yesterday.

“I keep telling people about the amazing things that are happening in Saudi Arabia and the amazing people that I meet every day. It’s a journey and I would like to thank everyone, the dean of diplomatic corps, all of you extraordinary people. I learned a lot and back home, I would love to share those stories, whether it’s with family and others as well.”


Saudi commission’s deep dive to protect Red Sea heritage sites

Updated 27 January 2025
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Saudi commission’s deep dive to protect Red Sea heritage sites

  • Second phase builds on a series of national initiatives to preserve the Kingdom’s diverse cultural heritage
  • Includes developing a sustainable approach to conserving underwater heritage, with a focus on sites spanning the governorates of Jeddah and Al-Qunfudhah

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has launched the second phase of a project focused on studying underwater cultural heritage sites along the Red Sea coast.

In partnership with King Abdulaziz University and the University of Naples L’Orientale in Italy, the second phase builds on a series of national initiatives to preserve the Kingdom’s diverse cultural heritage.

This includes developing a sustainable approach to conserving underwater heritage, with a focus on sites spanning the governorates of Jeddah and Al-Qunfudhah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

International partners of the initiative include the Alexandria Center for Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage, the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage in South Korea, and the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

The project seeks to provide accurate information for the management and protection of these sites, and expand research and scientific studies related to them. The ultimate goal is to enhance knowledge and documentation of this cultural heritage, SPA reported.

Expected outcomes include comprehensive reports analyzing archaeological findings, a developed management plan, and detailed scientific documentation of submerged heritage elements.

These will contribute to the national archaeological registry and enhance the national protection of underwater cultural heritage along the Red Sea coast, SPA reported.

This project will also highlight the historical and cultural connections between Saudi Arabia and other countries, as the Red Sea coast is a major historical maritime route.

The Kingdom has made significant efforts in this field, which aligns with the UNESCO Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001 Convention. These include establishing a dedicated center for underwater cultural heritage, a key initiative within Vision 2030 aimed at achieving sustainable development in the field of national heritage.


Saudi aid provides relief to thousands in Syria, Gaza

Updated 27 January 2025
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Saudi aid provides relief to thousands in Syria, Gaza

  • Ongoing support offers food, shelter and medical supplies to those affected by conflict

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has continued to provide aid to the people of Syria as part of various humanitarian missions.

On Monday, a relief plane — the 14th so far — arrived in Damascus from Riyadh, carrying food, shelter and medical supplies for those facing challenging conditions, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

In Harasta town, Rural Damascus governorate, KSrelief distributed 399 bags of flour, blankets and personal care kits, benefiting 532 people.

The Saudi aid agency also distributed shopping vouchers to 56 beneficiaries in Jindires town, Aleppo governorate, enabling them to purchase winter clothing from designated stores.

In Talbiseh town, Homs governorate, KSrelief distributed 327 food baskets, winter kits and personal care kits for 529 people.

These efforts, in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, are part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people.

According to KSrelief, Saudi Arabia’s total aid to Syria from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.

Meanwhile, in the northern Gaza Strip, the Saudi aid agency is providing support to returning residents in Jabalia.

KSrelief’s executive partner in Gaza, the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, has provided essential items such as blankets, mattresses, cooking utensils and more to help families who lost everything due to the widespread destruction.

Since its launch in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,306 projects worth almost $7.3 billion in 105 countries, in partnership with 461 local, regional and international organizations.

Its programs include food security, water sanitation, health, education, emergency aid, nutrition, protection, early recovery and telecommunications.