Saudi, Japanese Defense Ministers Discuss Military Cooperation

Japanese Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada receives his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Tokyo. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Japanese Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada receives his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Tokyo. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
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Saudi, Japanese Defense Ministers Discuss Military Cooperation

Japanese Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada receives his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Tokyo. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Japanese Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada receives his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Tokyo. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Japanese Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada received in Tokyo on Monday his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The officials discussed bilateral relations, and military and defense cooperation, and reviewed the latest regional and international developments and efforts exerted towards them.

They also discussed issues of common concern.

Saudi officials at the talks included Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled Al-Biyari, Saudi Ambassador to Japan Naif Al-Fahadi and Director General of the Minister of Defense Office Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif.

Representing Japan were Chief of Joint Staff Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide, Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs Oka Masami, Commissioner of Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) Fukasawa Masaki, head of Defense Ministry's Policy Bureau Kazuo Masuda and Director General for International Affairs of the Bureau of Defense Policy at the Japanese Ministry of Defense Miura Jun.



Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat

Bringing together representatives from Fiqh academies, organizations, councils, and religious committees, along with a distinguished assembly of muftis and senior scholars from various schools of thought and sects across the Islamic world, the Scholars’ Session reaffirmed the enduring consensus in Islam—both historically and contemporarily—on the legitimate right of women to education.

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

At the conclusion of the extensive scholarly dialogue, which lasted several hours, all participants unanimously affirmed—with enlightened judgment—the Islamic consensus, both historically and contemporarily, on the legitimate right of women to education.

This consensus is based on the comprehensive Islamic texts concerning the matter, affirming that women possess the same rights as their male counterparts to education at any age, level, or field of study, provided it aligns with Islamic teachings.

The discussion underscored that this right is rooted in the fundamental Islamic obligation of seeking knowledge, which applies equally to both genders, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The dialogue included a thorough refutation of all misconceptions surrounding women's education, whether these were complete or partial. Participants emphasized that their religious declaration is intended for all individuals, institutions, and both public and private entities across the Islamic world and minority communities, adhering to the appropriate Islamic methodology for such declarations.

The scholars’ statements praised the comprehensive principles related to the legitimate empowerment of women in general, and their education in particular, as outlined in the Charter of Makkah and the Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.

Both international conferences, which issued these charters, were supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.