Al-Issa Highlights Role of Religious Leaders in Promoting Peace

Al-Issa made remarks during a meeting in Washington with US lawmakers, think tank leaders, and policymakers. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Issa made remarks during a meeting in Washington with US lawmakers, think tank leaders, and policymakers. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Al-Issa Highlights Role of Religious Leaders in Promoting Peace

Al-Issa made remarks during a meeting in Washington with US lawmakers, think tank leaders, and policymakers. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Issa made remarks during a meeting in Washington with US lawmakers, think tank leaders, and policymakers. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat

Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars, has stressed the important role of religious leaders from all faiths in promoting peace in the region, using their spiritual influence to counter religious and political extremism.

His remarks were made on Monday during a meeting in Washington with US lawmakers, think tank leaders, and policymakers, where they discussed the league's Islamic and humanitarian goals.

Al-Issa also chaired the Islamic Leadership Council of North and South America, created by the MWL to promote the principles of the “Makkah Charter” and serve as a guide for training imams in the Americas.

In an open discussion with US officials, Al-Issa addressed key international issues related to the league’s global goals.

He emphasized Islam's core values of peace and harmony, urging cooperation between nations to counter religious and civilizational conflicts through meaningful dialogue based on mutual understanding.

Al-Issa also highlighted the important role religious leaders from all faiths play in promoting peace and countering extremism.

He warned against the dangers of using distorted religious sentiments to justify harmful actions that escalate conflicts.

Al-Issa called on religious leaders worldwide to be wiser and committed to shared values that promote constructive dialogue.

He also stressed that the Palestinian issue remains central to international and Arab attention, asserting that there can be no peace without Palestine.

Al-Issa praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts, including leading the first meeting of an international coalition for a two-state solution in October, and its ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza and hold parties accountable.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s clear and consistent stance on the issue, stating that the two-state solution is the only fair path to peace in the region.



Saudi Arabia Expresses Condolences to South Korea after Plane Crash

Firefighters and rescue personnel work near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 29, 2024. (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE / AFP)
Firefighters and rescue personnel work near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 29, 2024. (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE / AFP)
TT

Saudi Arabia Expresses Condolences to South Korea after Plane Crash

Firefighters and rescue personnel work near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 29, 2024. (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE / AFP)
Firefighters and rescue personnel work near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 29, 2024. (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE / AFP)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Sunday the Kingdom’s condolences to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of South Korea, following the crash of a passenger aircraft.

In a statement, the ministry wished the injured speedy recovery.

The crash killed 179 people, when the airliner belly-landed and skidded off the end of the runway, erupting in a fireball as it slammed into a wall at Muan International Airport.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216 was arriving from the Thai capital Bangkok with 175 passengers and six crew on board when it crashed.