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Sheikh of Al-Azhar Hails Saudi Arabia’s Role in Dawah

Sheikh of al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb receives Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh in Cairo. (Al-Azhar)
Sheikh of al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb receives Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh in Cairo. (Al-Azhar)
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Sheikh of Al-Azhar Hails Saudi Arabia’s Role in Dawah

Sheikh of al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb receives Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh in Cairo. (Al-Azhar)
Sheikh of al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb receives Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh in Cairo. (Al-Azhar)

Sheikh of al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb underscored on Sunday the depth of relations between the al-Azhar Institution and Saudi Arabia.

Meeting with Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh in Cairo, he hailed the Kingdom’s role in Dawah and support of Arab and Islamic causes under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He expressed his appreciation for the role played by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in serving Muslims.

Moreover, al-Tayeb said the progress of Islamic societies is tied to the empowerment of women by granting them the rights stipulated in Islam.

Al-Azhar has prioritized women’s causes and this has effectively allowed women to assume leading positions and highlight their constructive role in society, he added.

He urged the need to reconsider some fatwas that have been issued against women when Sharia law was adopted in rule. He said such religious edicts had wronged women because of the erroneous application of the law.

For his part, Al Alsheikh praised the great role played by al-Azhar and al-Tayeb in serving Islam and Arab and humanitarian causes, saying he was looking forward to more cooperation in scholarly and religious affairs.

He made his remarks at the 35th Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Conference in Cairo. The meeting focused on “women and building awareness” and was sponsored by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Al Alsheikh stressed that Saudi Arabia has a “integrated strategy aimed at empowering women.” There are currently six female ambassadors representing Saudi Arabia abroad. He also noted that the Kingdom boasts several female ministers, lawmakers and university directors.

“This is in implementation of the Kingdom’s vision to rid itself of habits that have violated the rights of women,” he declared.

A reading of Sharia texts will reveal how women must be treated fairly, he added, while noting that any violations against them that have been attributed to Sharia were in fact wrong societal norms and traditions.

“Women are an important partner in spreading moderate views and a main element in confronting extremist ideologies that are promoted by warmongers,” Al Alsheikh said.

In remarks to Egypt’s state news agency MENA, he stressed that Saudi Arabia and Egypt protect Arab and Islamic security and peace.

He underlined the “unique and strong relations between their nations that have withstood tensions that have affected other countries.”

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Ratney: US Expediting Strategic Agreements with Saudi Arabia

Michael Ratney, the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Michael Ratney, the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Ratney: US Expediting Strategic Agreements with Saudi Arabia

Michael Ratney, the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Michael Ratney, the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Michael Ratney, the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, stated that Washington and Riyadh are working diligently to finalize a bilateral strategic agreement package.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Ratney described these agreements as “historic” and emphasized that they would significantly and fundamentally transform the region’s dynamics.
Although the US ambassador did not specify a timeline for the completion of these agreements due to the region’s complexities, he outlined that the package encompasses several key areas, such as enhancing the strategic and military partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia and normalizing relations between Riyadh and Tel Aviv, and ensuring a definite path towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.
On economic collaboration, Ratney said that Saudi Arabia’s recent transformative changes are creating substantial opportunities for American companies across various sectors, including commercial space exploration, renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence.
Ratney attributed the US administration’s decision to lift the suspension on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia to evolving circumstances and the deepening partnership between the two countries. He explained that this change was warranted, particularly given Riyadh’s diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen and sustain a ceasefire for over two years.
Addressing concerns among some US allies in the region about America’s commitment to deterrence, the ambassador acknowledged the region’s complex issues but emphasized that US military and naval forces have been actively working to deter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Regarding the US veto of Palestinian state membership in the United Nations, Ratney underscored that the United States remains committed to a two-state solution, envisioning an independent Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. However, he stressed that a Palestinian state must be achieved through a political process and negotiations between the parties, rather than through alternative methods.
The US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia emphasized the strong and enduring nature of the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. He noted that the partnership, which has lasted over 80 years, remains robust despite some historical fluctuations.
He also highlighted the close ties between the US and Saudi armed forces, along with strong trade connections and numerous economic opportunities driven by Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. He pointed to Saudi Arabia’s increasing openness and the rapid expansion of its cultural landscape, which he said presents exciting opportunities for collaboration in emerging fields such as film and television production, video games, and joint cultural projects.
Strategic Agreements
On May 19, 2024, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Jeddah. The two officials announced a nearly-finalized draft of strategic agreements between the Kingdom and the United States.
Regarding the latest developments in these discussions, Ratney noted that Sullivan’s visit was part of a series of meetings aimed at advancing negotiations for a final agreement.
He explained that the agreements are not standalone deals but rather a comprehensive package that must be negotiated and jointly signed. This package includes several key components: strengthening the strategic and military partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia, enhancing economic cooperation, normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, and addressing Palestinian issues to ensure a reliable path to establishing a Palestinian state.
He stressed that these elements are interconnected and cannot be separated. Although significant progress has been made on important aspects of the agreement, Ratney emphasized the need to complete the entire package to achieve a historic agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Cooperation with China
On whether the strategic agreements between Washington and Riyadh would impose restrictions on Saudi relations with other countries like China, Ratney confirmed that the deals would focus primarily on enhancing the US-Saudi partnership, noting that Saudi Arabia, like the United States, has significant relations with China.
Regional Dynamics... A Fundamental Shift
The ongoing strategic agreement being discussed between the United States and Saudi Arabia is expected to produce a profound and fundamental shift in the regional dynamics, according to the US ambassador.
He added that these changes are likely to bring significant benefits to the Palestinian people, stressing that if these elements align and an agreement is reached, it could fundamentally transform the dynamics of this part of the world for the better.
Regarding recent statements by the Israeli Prime Minister to Time magazine about not abandoning the idea of normalization with Saudi Arabia despite ongoing regional tensions and their potential impact on the agreements, Ratney stated that abandoning the agreement should not be considered.
Economic Cooperation
The US Ambassador highlighted the importance of economic collaboration between the two countries, stating that Saudi Arabia has undergone a significant transformation over the past seven or eight years, resulting in a more diversified economy.
He continued that the US and Saudi Arabia have had a strong trade and economic relationship for many years, initially centered on the oil industry.
Renewable Energy
According to Ratney, renewable energy represents a key aspect of the growing economic partnership between his country and the Kingdom. He explained that collaboration began in the era of fossil fuels, noting that Saudi Arabia’s transition to a post-fossil fuel future has paved the way for significant investments in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, as well as in carbon capture technologies.
The US diplomat also emphasized tremendous opportunities for collaboration in healthcare, infrastructure, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence as the Saudi economy continues to grow and diversify, attracting new American companies.
Defense Partnership
In light of regional threats, the US Ambassador stressed the importance of the military partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia, noting that American defense companies have been active in the Kingdom for many years.
In February, Saudi Arabia hosted the World Defense Exhibition, now one of the largest defense expos globally, he remarked, adding that over 100 American companies participated in the event.
Lift of Weapons Sales Ban
Ratney said that the recent decision by the US Administration to lift the suspension on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia was driven by evolving circumstances and the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.
He added that this decision reflected the changing dynamics in the region, as Saudi Arabia has invested significantly in diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen and sustain a ceasefire that has been in place for over two years.
Palestinian Membership in the United Nations
Asked about the US opposition to Palestinian membership in the United Nations, especially given the ongoing efforts to achieve a two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state, Ratney acknowledged the importance of this matter.
He stated that as the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, his main focus is on bilateral relations.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that, throughout his career, he has worked extensively with both Israelis and Palestinians and been involved in efforts to achieve a two-state solution, which has given him a deep understanding of both sides.
Ratney stated that the current priority is to halt the violence in Gaza and address the severe hardships faced by its residents. He continued that the immediate focus is to end the violence, secure a ceasefire, free Israeli hostages, and resolve the conflict to facilitate the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to Gaza.