Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques receives ministers, officials
The King also received Prince Dr. Bandar bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Saud, Advisor to the King, and Chairman of Call Committee in Africa and members of the Committee accompanied by 34 religious propagators representing 34 African countries participating in the Committee's 17th Forum being held this year under the title "Moderation in Islam''.
The King also received Minister of Hajj Dr. Fuad bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsi, the Ministry's undersecretaries and heads of national foundations for pilgrims guides and Cars' General Syndicate.
On behalf of participants in the Forum, the Head of Islamic Studies Department at the University of Dakar and Member of the World Supreme Council of Mosques Dr. Khadim Embaki delivered a speech in which he expressed his condolences to the King on the death of Princess Luluwah bint Abdulaziz.
He said, "We are the best witnesses of the Kingdom's contribution under your wise leadership to the economic and social development of the Muslim world at the official and private levels. The good of the Kingdom has covered all Muslim countries. The Kingdom has taken care of all Muslims and has opened the doors of its universities to them."
He added, ''We appreciate your efforts towards reconciliation, rapprochement and understanding between communities and nations and preference of constructive dialogue to support the values and common ideals among followers of all religions. All the world has praised the success of the dialogue conferences that you have called for in Makkah and Madrid. Those conferences have proved that you are aware that dialogue is the best way to achieve understanding and peaceful coexistence among nations.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
He said," The Committee under the leadership of Prince Dr. Bandar bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Saud, chose this year's theme "Moderation in Islam". This issue is an extension of the approach of Saudi Arabia, which contributes to spreading the spirit of moderation and tolerance among Muslims and renouncing extremism."
On his part, the Minister of Hajj Dr. Fuad bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsi said that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been mobilizing all its potentials through a system of public and private sectors that combine their efforts to enable pilgrims to perform all rituals easily and comfortably along with the provision of all their requirements and needs, noting that achievements on the ground speak for themselves.
Dr. Al-Farsi added that Makkah, Madinah and the holy places have been witnessing expansion in the fields of construction, opening more roads and tunnels, building bridges, upgrading facilities and services as well as the expansion of technologies and means of communications.
The Minister of Hajj addressing the King said that the tremendous achievements that you have ordered to be implemented have enabled the ministry to carry out its tasks.
He recalled the King's saying during an audience with heads of Hajj missions in 1428H.,
" Dear brothers, in every Hajj season, we see in these Holy places the meeting of pilgrims. They came from the East and the West of the earth. I see in pilgrims all the world with its societies, cultures, customs, traditions and beliefs."
Then the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud delivered a speech in which he expressed his thanks to and appreciation of all, wishing them all success.
The King urged Muslim scholars in Africa to continue their efforts in religious propagation saying," I hope you continue to call for Allah and the Islamic religion. I thank you for ever."
They all had Iftar (breaking-fast) at the King's banquet.
The audiences and the banquet were attended by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, the Governor of Makkah region; Prince Abdulilah bin Abdulaziz; Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence; princes; ministers; Qatar's Ambassador to the Kingdom Ali bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud and a number of Officials.
--SPA