Saudi Arabia to Host Int’l Islamic Conference on Moderation, Extremism, Terrorism, Tolerance, Coexistence

Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)
Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Int’l Islamic Conference on Moderation, Extremism, Terrorism, Tolerance, Coexistence

Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)
Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is organizing an Islamic conference in Makkah. The two-day conference titled “Engaging with Religious Affairs, Fatwa, and Clerical Administrations Worldwide and Their Implications,” is set to take place on August 13-14.

The convening of the conference was approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The conference brings together 150 scholars and clerics representing 85 countries. Among them are esteemed religious leaders, heads of Islamic associations and institutions, thinkers, and academics from various global universities.

Over the course of two days, they will engage in seven working sessions, delving into topics of moderation, extremism, decay, terrorism, tolerance, and coexistence among nations.

The conference aims to strengthen communication and collaboration among religious affairs, fatwa, and clerical administrations worldwide.

Its overarching goal is to uphold the principles of moderation and balance, promoting values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among diverse populations.

The event seeks to underscore the pivotal role of these institutions in adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet’s Sunnah, serving Islam and Muslims, fostering Islamic unity, combating extremist ideologies, safeguarding societies from atheism and moral decline.

The conference also highlights the unique experiences of Saudi Arabia in spreading mercy and preserving values while simultaneously advancing in all fields for societal progress and development.

Moreover, the event encompasses seven key themes. The first theme examines the efforts of religious affairs, fatwa, and clerical administrations worldwide in serving Islam and Muslims, as well as enhancing Islamic unity.

The second theme explores the current state and desired future of communication and integration among these entities.

The third theme highlights their endeavors to promote values of tolerance and coexistence among different populations.

The fourth theme underscores the fundamental commitment to the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, both in terms of foundational principles and practical efforts.

The fifth theme delves into the concepts of moderation and balance within the context of the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, examining their roots and practical applications.

The sixth theme addresses the roles of these administrative bodies in combating extremism and terrorism.

The seventh and final theme focuses on their contributions to safeguarding society from atheism and moral decline.

The organization of this conference falls within the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to establish the principles of moderation and balance.

These efforts entail constructive collaboration with global religious leaders, aiming to contribute to the reduction of violence and animosity among the world’s populations.



Saudi Arabia Boosts US Ties to Promote Middle East Stability

US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Boosts US Ties to Promote Middle East Stability

US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday in the first call from an Arab leader since Trump took office. They discussed boosting cooperation to support peace, security, and economic ties.

The Crown Prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s desire to expand investment partnerships with the United States. He revealed plans for Saudi investments totaling $600 billion over the next four years, with the potential for further increases should additional opportunities arise.

Moreover, the Crown Prince spoke with Trump about boosting ties in various fields. He voiced confidence in Trump’s ability to drive major economic reforms in the US.

The White House said Thursday that the two leaders discussed Saudi Arabia’s global economic goals, trade, and other opportunities. They also talked about efforts to stabilize the Middle East, improve security, and fight terrorism.

The Saudi Crown also received a phone call on Thursday from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, areas of mutual cooperation, and ways to strengthen their partnership. They also addressed regional and global developments and several issues of shared concern.

Rubio expressed his eagerness to advance shared interests in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and other areas, emphasizing the threats posed by Iran and its proxies, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

“They also discussed the benefits of the US-Saudi economic partnership and the opportunities to grow their economies in a variety of fields including AI. The Secretary expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s partnership and efforts to promote regional peace and stability,” said Bruce.

Saudi Arabia’s plans to expand investments in the US reflect the deep economic and strategic partnership between the two nations, analysts told Asharq Al-Awsat.

These investments, they said, build on promising opportunities and underscore the importance of bilateral efforts to bolster global peace and security.

Dr. Fawaz Al-Alami, an international trade expert, said the strategic alliance between Saudi Arabia and the US, which spans eight decades, is set to grow further. Saudi Arabia aims to expand its partnerships in key sectors, including technology transfer, defense industries, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and nuclear energy development.

“Saudi Arabia is capitalizing on its rapid economic growth—the fastest among G20 nations—by strengthening its trade and investment ties with the US,” Al-Alami said.

He highlighted the kingdom’s plans to invest $600 billion in the US over the next four years, positioning this partnership as a cornerstone of mutual prosperity.

Al-Alami noted that trade relations are the foundation of Saudi-US economic cooperation, reflecting shared strategic interests and evolving global dynamics.

He added that Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil align with the United States’ ability to support this transition through investments in manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy—key pillars of the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan.

“By fostering innovation, developing human capital, and expanding into new industries, both nations can secure a resilient and prosperous future built on mutual growth and collaboration,” he said.

Dr. Saud Al-Otaibi, a political science professor at King Abdulaziz University, emphasized that shared interests bind Saudi Arabia and the US, benefiting both nations.

He noted that Saudi Arabia, as a pivotal regional power, leverages its positive relationship with the US to promote stability and peace in the Middle East.

“Saudi Arabia plays a central role in the region and uses its soft power to influence its surroundings positively,” Al-Otaibi said. “It consistently works toward regional stability and security through foreign policies aimed at the greater good.

Al-Otaibi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategy of diversifying its partnerships, maintaining strong ties with major powers like Russia and China while strengthening its relationship with the US.

He explained that these efforts are rooted in a commitment to global peace and security.

“Saudi Arabia’s partnership with the US remains crucial given America’s influence and the kingdom’s pragmatic approach to addressing regional challenges,” he said.

“The historical record demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s realistic and balanced perspective in navigating complex issues, making this relationship essential for both nations,” added Al-Otaibi.