عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

Islamic Emphasis on Importance of Rapprochement, Dialogue

Meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia and the Islamic World (SPA)
Meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia and the Islamic World (SPA)
TT
20
TT

Islamic Emphasis on Importance of Rapprochement, Dialogue

Meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia and the Islamic World (SPA)
Meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia and the Islamic World (SPA)

Several ministers of religious affairs in Islamic countries have unanimously agreed on the importance of dialogue being held by the Strategic Vision Group “Russia and the Islamic World” to bring views closer and further consolidate relations in all aspects.

Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Pakistan Noor al-Haq Qadir told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Group’s dialogue is of great importance, as all topics and areas that devote the consolidation of the relationship with Russia are being discussed.

“We count on this conference to be a bridge for the continuation and strengthening of relations,” said Qadir, thanking the Saudi leadership for preparing and organizing the forum set to boost Islamic countries’ relations with Russia.

Pakistan always stands with the policy of the Saudi leadership, headed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the steps the Kingdom takes to support Islamic countries, reaffirmed Qadir.

Qadir moved on to stress the wisdom behind holding dialogue with Russia given the important role it plays in regional and global affairs.

He noted that positive results of such meetings help defeat Islamophobia, especially in Russia, where Muslims face some degree of extremism.

Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Qoumas said that dialogue between Russia and Islamic countries is vital and matches current developments witnessed around the world.

He stressed that dialogue is essential in all aspects, especially on social, international, and regional levels.

Qoumas noted that the Islamic religion has entity, values, and basics, as it is comprehensive, contrary to what is portrayed about it, and terms of fear of Islam have no rules and have no effect on the depth of the true Islamic religion.

Regarding extremist groups, Qoumas emphasized that combating extremism comes through the comprehensive practical application of the Islamic religion in the life of the individual.

Islam is a tolerant religion that teaches how to live and how to organize the basic things in life, said the Indonesian minister.

Most Viewed

 
Gulf

Saudi Arabia’s Relief Campaign Continues to Provide Aid in Palestine, Syria

Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)
Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)
TT
20
TT

Saudi Arabia’s Relief Campaign Continues to Provide Aid in Palestine, Syria

Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)
Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)

The Saudi Popular Campaign to aid the Palestinian people in Gaza has reached a significant milestone, with donations surpassing SAR714 million (over $190 million) from more than 2.1 million contributors, according to official figures.

Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Saudi Arabia has dispatched 58 relief aircraft loaded with humanitarian supplies, coordinated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the Ministry of Defense. The planes have carried shelter materials, food baskets, and medical equipment, all bound for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

Launched in November 2023 under the directive of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the campaign has collected both financial and in-kind donations. Contributions include ambulances, medical supplies, food, baby formula, and dates. The initiative began with a generous personal donation of SAR50 million (more than $13 million) from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

As of March, the total weight of Saudi aid to Gaza via air and sea exceeded 7,188 tons, transported through 58 planes and 8 ships. The aid included shelter items, food and medical supplies, 20 ambulances, 30 power generators, 10 water tanks, and 62 logistical units. Air drops alone delivered over 39,200 ready-to-eat meals and 500 sets of parachute-assisted relief items.

KSrelief has implemented 131 projects in Palestine at a value of more than $514 million. These initiatives have focused heavily on food security, agriculture, health, and shelter, in addition to other sectors.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. On Tuesday, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported the death toll from the Israeli offensive has reached 50,810 since October 7, 2023, with over 115,688 wounded. Since Israel resumed its attacks on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire, 1,449 Palestinians have been killed and 3,647 injured.

In Syria, KSrelief has remained a leading contributor through its “Sahem” donation platform, especially in response to the 2023 earthquake that struck both Syria and Türkiye. Donation opportunities include emergency aid, home reconstruction, and medical support—totaling nearly $140 million.