37th Annual Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims Opens in Brazil

37th Annual Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims Opens in Brazil
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37th Annual Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims Opens in Brazil

37th Annual Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims Opens in Brazil

The 37th International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims, organized by the Islamic Dawah Center in Brazil in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, opened in Sao Paulo on Friday.

The three-day event is being held under the theme "Islamic Education in Latin America and the Caribbean: Its Role in Preserving Identity" at the São Bernardo do Campo Municipal Council. It features the participation of ministers, scholars, researchers, and specialists from Arab and Islamic countries, as well as from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The opening ceremony began with a film introducing the conference, its mission, and the efforts of the Islamic Dawah Center in the region.

Head of the Islamic Dawah Center for Latin America and the Caribbean Dr. Ahmed Ali Al-Saifi delivered a speech expressing gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unwavering support of Muslims in Latin America and the Caribbean.

He also highlighted the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ role in overseeing mosques and religious institutions in the region.

Federal Deputy of Brazil Vicente Paulo da Silva, speaking on behalf of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, emphasized the respect and prominent role of Muslims in Brazil’s development and prosperity.

He lauded the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and Brazil, which is built on solidarity and mutual respect, and noted Brazil’s deep affection for Arabs, particularly through its ties with the Kingdom.

Delivering a speech on behalf of Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, the ministry's Undersecretary Sheikh Dr. Awad bin Sabti Al-Enezi emphasized that knowledge forms the foundation of righteous deeds, enabling correct beliefs and worship practices.

He underscored the importance of Islamic education in clarifying misconceptions and promoting understanding to combat ignorance.

The opening session also included speeches from heads of delegations and participating missions, highlighting the significance of the conference’s timing and its thematic focus.



Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Establish Framework for Joint Coordination Council

 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a previous meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a previous meeting. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Establish Framework for Joint Coordination Council

 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a previous meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a previous meeting. (SPA)

Riyadh and Cairo are setting up the framework for the Saudi-Egyptian Higher Coordination Council, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said.

Experts told Asharq Al-Awsat the move strengthens political, economic, and development ties between the two nations.

In a televised statement on Thursday, Abdelatty said: “We are working on the council’s coordination structure,” highlighting the “strong strategic partnership and continuous cooperation” between Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi signed an agreement in Cairo in October to establish the council, which they will co-chair.

In November, Egypt approved the council, saying it aims to strengthen cooperation and communication between the two countries in various fields.

Saudi journalist Khaled Al-Majrashi called the council a step toward deeper Saudi-Egyptian integration, focusing on investment and trade under the guidance of both nations’ leaders.

“The council sets a framework for future collaboration, particularly in areas like investment and trade, under the directives of both nations’ leaderships,” Al-Majrashi said, citing earlier remarks by Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi about his mandate to promote investment in Egypt.

Former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Rakha Ahmed Hassan said the council will remove obstacles to cooperation and deepen ties across all sectors.

Egyptian Senator Dr. Abdel Monem Said described Saudi Arabia and Egypt as the region’s “balancing pillars,” saying stronger cooperation is crucial to tackle regional challenges. He called the council a key step toward stability and joint action.

“No Arab country can face regional instability alone,” he said, adding that the council will help protect both nations from threats and improve coordination on shared challenges.

In September, Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said the council would deepen ties and boost cooperation in politics, trade, investment, and development.

Last month, Egypt’s government said the council will include officials from both sides, hold regular meetings in both countries, and replace the previous joint committee framework.