Egypt's Grand Mufti Praises Pivotal Role of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt's Grand Mufti Praises Pivotal Role of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egypt's Grand Mufti Dr. Shawki Allam praised the "pivotal regional and international role" of Saudi Arabia and the great efforts made by the Kingdom, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, to serve Islam and Muslims.

The Grand Mufti met with the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh, during a visit to Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, Egypt's Dar al-Iftaa said the meeting addressed several issues of common interest, namely serving Islamic work in its various fields.

The Grand Mufti praised the role of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Minister's support in bringing together the nation's scholars and thinkers from different countries of the world to discuss the concerns of Muslims.

The statement said Allam stressed the need for cooperation and solidarity between Islamic religious institutions to confront extremist ideology, correct concepts, and explain the true religion and its tolerance for the world.

The Minister, for his part, underscored the strength of Saudi-Egyptian relations, especially at the religious level, lauding the achievements of Egypt's Dar al-Iftaa.

The Grand Mufti participated in the "Russia - Islamic World" conference, held in Jeddah, under the theme "Dialogue and Cooperation Prospects."

The conference was attended by several senior scholars and thinkers from Russia and various countries of the Islamic world and addressed issues of common interest between Russia and the Islamic world and ways of enhancing cooperation to face challenges.

Meanwhile, Al-Sheikh discussed with the Egyptian Minister of Endowments, Mohammad Mokhtar Gomaa cooperation between their ministries.

He praised the efforts of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in building, developing, reforming, and advancing the Egyptian state.

He also lauded the efforts of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed in developing and reforming Saudi Arabia.

The Egyptian Minister praised the role of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed in serving the Holy Mosques and the Arab and Islamic nations, stressing the strength and importance of the relationship between the two countries in various fields.

Gomaa also praised the efforts of the Saudi Minister in confronting extremist ideology and the "destructive" ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.