Arab-Islamic-American Summit fosters global peace, stability

Saudi King Salman, US PresidentDonald Trump, US First Lady MelaniaTrump, Egyptian President AbdelFattahEl-Sisi and other dignitariesat the launch of the InternationalCenter for Combating Extremism inRiyadh Sunday. (SPA)
Updated 22 May 2017
Follow

Arab-Islamic-American Summit fosters global peace, stability

RIYADH: The Arab-Islamic-American Summit held in Riyadh Sunday succeeded in building close partnership to confront extremism, terrorism, fostering regional and international peace, stability and development.
The Riyadh Declaration (the final communiqué of the Arab-Islamic-American leaders’ summit), reflected convenience at the frank and fruitful dialogue atmosphere that prevailed, during the summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia, in the presence of as many as 55 leaders and representatives of Arab, Islamic countries and the US, in addition to the outcomes reached upon conformity of points of view and opinions and the move forward, in regard of various current regional as well as international issues, asserting that the summit constitutes a historic turning point, in the relationship between the Arab-Islamic world and the US, as it shall furnish wider prospects for the future.
According to a statement, released following the conclusion of the summit, the Riyadh Declaration reads as follows:
“In line with the invitation of Saudi King Salman, leaders and representatives of as many as 55 Arab and Islamic countries, in addition to the US held a summit in Riyadh.
The participants expressed gratitude and appreciation of King Salman, for inviting them to hold such a historic summit.
They also valued the similarly historic visit made by the US President to Saudi Arabia, participating in the summit and his endeavors to contribute to the good of region and its peoples’ interests.
The leaders expressed relaxation at the atmosphere of the frank and fruitful dialogue that prevailed, during the summit, outcomes reached, based on conformity in the points of view and opinions and the moving ahead before various current regional as well as international issues, stressing that this summit constitutes a historic transformation, in regard of the Arab-Islamic relationship with the US, as it would open the way for wider prospects for their mutual future ties.
First: The close partnership between the leaders of Arab and Islamic countries and the US leader to confront extremism, terrorism, achieving peace, stability and development, on regional as well as international stages.
The leaders agreed upon means to enhance cooperation and measurements taken to consolidate relations and joint action and they vowed to continue close coordination between the Arab and Islamic countries, on one hand, and the US, on the other, toward issues of mutual interest to bolster partnership among them and to share experience, in the domain of development.
For its part, the US welcomed the willingness of Arab and Islamic countries, in promoting ways of cooperation to unify opinions and stances toward various issues, topped by doubling jointly exerted efforts to combat extremism and terrorism.
1. The leaders affirmed the firm commitment of their states to combat terrorism in all its forms, address its intellectual roots, dry up its sources of funding and to take all necessary measures to prevent and combat terrorist crimes in close cooperation among their states.
2. The leaders valued the step of intending to establish a Middle East Strategic Alliance, for which Riyadh will play host, and in which many countries will participate to contribute to peace and security in the region and the world. The establishment and the declaration of the accession of participating countries will be completed in 2018.
3. The leaders welcomed the establishment of a global center for countering extremist thought to take base in Riyadh, and praised the center’s strategic objectives of combating intellectual, media and digital extremism and promoting coexistence and tolerance among peoples.
4. The leaders noted the efforts of the Arab and Islamic countries in countering and preventing terrorist attacks, exchanging important information about foreign fighters and their movements among terrorist organizations. They underscored the importance of actions in this regard, in parallel with progress toward a political settlement of conflicts, expressing their satisfaction over the work with the legitimate government and the Arab Alliance to address the terrorist organizations that seek to create a political vacuum in Yemen.
5. The leaders welcomed the readiness of a number of Islamic countries to participate in the Islamic Military Coalition to combat terrorism to provide a reserve force of 34,000 troops to support operations against terrorist organizations in Iraq and Syria when needed. They welcomed the progress achieved on the ground in the fight against Daesh, praising the participation of Arab and Islamic countries and their support for the International Alliance against Daesh.
6. The leaders said that their states are committed to implement the relevant international resolutions in the field of counter-terrorism and develop national, regional and international institutions to carry out their responsibilities in this regard.
7. They welcomed the opening of a cooperation agreement in the field of combating the financing of terrorism, including the establishment of a terrorist financing targeting center, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.
8. The leaders underscored the importance of developing clear plans to shape the future of the youths, build their capacities, enhance their citizenship, provide opportunities for them, overcome all obstacles to their development, achieve the security and peace of their countries, instilling virtues in them and protect them from extremism and terrorism.
Second: To promote coexistence and constructive tolerance between different countries, religions and cultures,
The leaders explained their countries’ rejection of any attempt to draw a link between terrorism and any religion, culture or race, affirming their determination to protect and promote a culture of tolerance, coexistence and constructive cooperation among different countries, religions and cultures.
1. The participants stressed the importance of broadening the scope of meaningful and serious cultural dialogue, which demonstrates the tolerance and moderation of the Islamic religion and its rejection of all forms of violence and extremism and its ability to coexist peacefully with others and to build a civilized alliance based on peace, harmony, love and respect.
2. The leaders emphasized the importance of renewing and rationalizing intellectual discourse to be consistent with moderate Islam, which calls for tolerance, love, mercy and peace, stressing that the misconceptions about Islam must be addressed and clarified.
3. The leaders confirmed determination for joint cooperation to enhance sustainable development programs to improve the living level for their peoples, and provide a safe, stable and prosperous environment that serves as an incubator for the youths against the deviant and extremist thought.
4. The leaders lauded the initiative of Saudi Arabia to establish a center for dialogue among followers of religions and underscored the importance of continuing this method, enhance it, build on it and preserve its pillars and expand its potentials to cover the largest possible area in the world at large.
Third: Confronting the sectarian agendas and interference in other countries affairs:
The leaders underscored the importance of the current cooperation between countries, the relations based on the principles of good neighborhood, non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries and respect of their independence, sovereignty and integrity of territories whereas:
1. The leaders stressed the rejection of sectarian agendas, citing their dangerous repercussions on the security of the region and the world at large.
2. The leaders confirmed their absolute rejection of the practices of the Iranian regime designed to destabilize the security and stability of the region and the world at large and for its continuing support for terrorism and extremism.
3. The leaders condemned the Iranian regime’s hostile positions and continuing interference in the domestic affairs of other countries in a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and good neighborhood, confirming their commitment to confront that.
4. The leaders are committed to intensify their efforts to observe the security of the region and the world at large, and firmly confront the subversive and destructive Iranian activities inside their countries and through joint coordination.
5. The leaders underlined the dangerous Iranian ballistic missiles program and denounced the Iranian regime’s continuing violations for Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Fourth: Countering piracy and protecting navigation:
The leaders stressed the importance of enhancing joint action to protect regional waters, combating piracy to maintain security and stability and avoiding disruption of ports and sea lanes of ships, which negatively affected the commercial movement and economic growth of the countries. The countries agreed to support joint work to develop capabilities to confront piracy, combat organized crime and drug trafficking across borders land, sea and air.
Fifth: Follow-up mechanisms:
The leaders noted the importance of following-up the programs and activities in areas of partnership between the Arab and Islamic worlds and the US.
The leaders stressed that these efforts must be continuous, and:
1. The leaders stressed the importance of coordination of positions and visions between the Arab and Islamic worlds and the US at the highest levels, to achieve the aspirations of the strategic partnership between the two sides.
2. The leaders assigned concerned parties in their countries to follow-up and implement the decisions of the Riyadh Declaration, forming the necessary ministerial committees and subcommittees and the necessary meetings, discussions, direct coordination and periodic reports on the progress of these actions.
3. The leaders underscored the importance of promoting scientific building, knowledge exchange, research cooperation and capacity building in all areas, and recommended the needed coordination to reach the best practice.


Investigation debunks claims about coalition strikes in Yemen

Updated 16 April 2025
Follow

Investigation debunks claims about coalition strikes in Yemen

  • Coalition’s Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) held a meeting to address allegations regarding airstrikes in various regions of Yemen

RIYADH: An investigation found that a number of airstrikes carried out by The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen did not target civilian sites including a hospital and farm as claimed.

The coalition’s Joint Incidents Assessment Team held a meeting on Wednesday to address allegations regarding airstrikes in various regions of Yemen in recent years.

On Jan. 13, 2022, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that an airstrike partially damaged the emergency department and inpatient clinics of a hospital in the Al-Sawad area.

It was claimed that coalition forces targeted a military camp near the hospital.

The JIAT reviewed relevant documentation and found that a military camp, known as Al-Sawad camp, was located near the 48 Model Hospital, which is on the coalition forces’ no strike list.

On the day of the alleged strike, coalition forces conducted a targeted airstrike on military targets within the camp, based on intelligence regarding Houthi militia activities.

The bombs were guided and aimed to minimize civilian impact, hitting their intended targets accurately and remaining a safe distance from the hospital.

Therefore, the JIAT concluded that coalition forces did not target the hospital on Jan. 13, 2022.

On March 3, 2021, reports emerged alleging that coalition forces conducted an airstrike targeting a farm in the Al-Watadah area of the Khawlan Directorate in Sanaa Governorate.

The JIAT said it reviewed documents, including air tasking orders, daily mission schedules and satellite imagery.

The investigation revealed that no specific coordinates for the alleged farm were provided.

The JIAT found no record of airstrikes in Al-Watadah on the date in question, nor in the days surrounding it. Open-source searches yielded no corroborating information.

In conclusion, the JIAT determined that coalition forces did not target a farm in Al-Watadah on March 3, 2021, as alleged.

Other reports indicated that a missile fell near a house in Al-Malaheet village on Feb. 23, 2020. The JIAT investigated and found no evidence that coalition forces had conducted missile strikes in the area on that date.

On June 4, 2015, allegations surfaced regarding an airstrike on the governorate building in Zinjibar. The JIAT confirmed that no air missions were conducted in Abyan on that date.

Through these investigations, the JIAT aims to clarify allegations and uphold accountability and transparency.


Saudi deputy FM receives Mauritania envoy in Riyadh

Updated 16 April 2025
Follow

Saudi deputy FM receives Mauritania envoy in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received Ambassador of Mauritania to the Kingdom Mokhtar Ould Dahi in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and various issues of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Faisal Al-Harbi presented a copy of his credentials as non-resident ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, the Eswatinian foreign minister, the Saudi Embassy in South Africa wrote on X.
 


Saudi Arabia celebrates World Heritage Day with 6 days of events in Riyadh

Updated 16 April 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia celebrates World Heritage Day with 6 days of events in Riyadh

  • The events, from April 16-21 at Laysen Valley, aim to honor and promote the historical and cultural values of the Kingdom and its heritage through educational and interactive activities
  • Visitors will be greeted with an immersive experience that transports them to the Kingdom’s eight World Heritage Sites and showcases their cultural significance

RIYADH: A series of special events are taking place this week at Laysen Valley in Riyadh in celebration of World Heritage Day on April 18.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture’s Heritage Commission, they run from April 16-21 with the aim of honoring and promoting the historical and cultural values of Saudi Arabia and its heritage through educational and interactive activities.

Visitors to Laysen Valley will be greeted with an immersive experience, organizers said, that transports them to the Kingdom’s eight World Heritage Sites and showcases their cultural significance through storytelling, a digital light show and live recreations of the locations.

A number of artists are participating in the events, including Abdullah Al-Fawzan, whose carved wooden works are inspired by Najdi designs. The doors of old Najd, known for their rich decoration and designs based on natural structures, are emblematic of the deep roots and culture of the central Saudi region. 

Abdullah Al-Fawzan is one of the artists participating in the event, presenting his carved wooden works inspired by Najdi door designs. (AN photo)

Al-Fawzan told Arab News that woodcarving is an essential element of his family’s traditions, dating back six generations. Under the guidance of his father, he began learning the skill at the age of seven years old. He has created about 100 Najdi-style doors for numerous projects in various parts of the capital, including Diriyah and Al-Doho, a historic neighborhood in southern Riyadh.

“We could say that craftspeople are considered the bridge between the past and the present,” he said. “We are working on pieces that are completely handmade, while preserving the authenticity and the identity of Najd.”

Al-Fawzan works for six to 10 hours a day carving and painting his works, and his craft has taught him the art of patience, especially when he encounters problems.

“We have a saying that says ‘He who is patience, triumphs,’” he explained. “I can’t work on anything big if I am in a bad mood. I must be in a clear mood, far away from any problems and ready to work.”

Other attractions at the Heritage Day events include a dedicated children’s area, and pavilions showcasing traditional arts and crafts. There are also workshops, live demonstrations by artisans, and marketplaces where craftspeople will be selling handmade items. In addition there will be a series of drone shows at Wadi Al-Turath on April 18.


Makkah deputy governor reviews Hajj plans

Updated 16 April 2025
Follow

Makkah deputy governor reviews Hajj plans

  • Meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing projects to support the pilgrimage, scheduled to be operational during the Hajj
  • Prince Saud emphasized the importance of implementing the leadership’s directives, which stress early preparation and coordination across all sectors

MAKKAH: Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy governor of Makkah, chaired the first meeting of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah to review the plans and preparations for this year’s Hajj season.

The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing projects to support the pilgrimage, scheduled to be operational during the Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Saud emphasized the importance of implementing the leadership’s directives, which stress early preparation and coordination across all sectors to ensure top-quality services and comfort for pilgrims.

He noted that the government of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has spared no effort in facilitating the pilgrimage, mobilizing all resources to ensure pilgrims perform their rituals with ease, peace of mind and security.

Participating organisations presented updates on the readiness of their operational plans and the progress of development projects at the holy sites.

The committee also reviewed afforestation and green cover initiatives aimed at planting 10,000 trees to improve air quality, reduce temperatures, and enhance the pilgrimage experience.

Several other agenda items were discussed, and the committee issued the necessary recommendations, the SPA reported.


Saudi academics identify how Arabic language developed from ancient inscriptions

Updated 16 April 2025
Follow

Saudi academics identify how Arabic language developed from ancient inscriptions

  • Lecture at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University revealed that the diversity of writings from ancient civilizations
  • Saudi academics confirmed that modern Arabic script emerged from the Nabataean script in the historic towns of Tayma and AlUla

RIYADH: Saudi academics have identified how the Arabic language developed from ancient inscriptions found in the north of the Kingdom.

A lecture at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University revealed that the diversity of writings from ancient civilizations — from Thamudic to Nabataean — reflects Arab interaction with neighboring civilizations dating back to the third century BC.

They also confirmed that modern Arabic script emerged from the Nabataean script in the historic towns of Tayma and AlUla (northwestern Saudi Arabia).

Dr. Sulaiman Al-Theeb, a retired professor of ancient Arabic writing at King Saud University, said that the great diversity of inscriptions reflects how Arabs have interacted with neighboring cultures since ancient times.

Al-Theeb, who is an adviser at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, in a speech said: “These writings abound in various regions of the Kingdom and include other dialects such as Thamudic, Aramaic, Sabaean, Minaean, Safaitic and Dadanic.

“They document a rich history and cultural interaction with neighboring cultures such as Assyrian, Babylonian, Hebrew, and Greek,” he said.

At the beginning of his talk, Al-Theeb touched on the relationship between language and writing, and their origins.

He explained how the Nabataean script developed in Tayma before transforming into the Arabic script found in AlUla at the beginning of the first century AD.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Asmari, who is vice rector for education affairs at IMSIU, emphasized the university’s commitment to strengthening international academic cooperation.

“We believe in the importance of partnering with international academic institutions to explore human cultural heritage, as these partnerships provide unique opportunities for the exchange of expertise and knowledge,” he said.

IMSIU “places special emphasis on interdisciplinary studies that connect heritage and contemporary studies based on our belief that understanding the past is the key to building the future,” he said.

“We are working to strengthen this vision through joint research programs and researcher exchanges with prestigious international universities,” Al-Asmari added.

Dr. Khaled Al-Khara’n, dean of the College of Arabic Language at IMSIU, said: “Arabic is not merely a means of communication, but rather a cultural channel that carries within it a rich human heritage and unique characteristics that make it one of the world's richest and most influential languages.

“The college seeks to uncover more of the Arabic language’s potential in many areas through specialized academic programs and leveling impact of this on its civilizational role and interaction with other languages, with a focus on the cognitive and applied aspects that make it one of the main languages ​​in the world,” Al-Khara’n said.