Makkah Hosts Second ‘Building Bridges’ Conference on Islamic Unity

Organized by the Muslim World League, the event will bring together leading Islamic scholars and muftis from across sects and schools of thought
Organized by the Muslim World League, the event will bring together leading Islamic scholars and muftis from across sects and schools of thought
TT

Makkah Hosts Second ‘Building Bridges’ Conference on Islamic Unity

Organized by the Muslim World League, the event will bring together leading Islamic scholars and muftis from across sects and schools of thought
Organized by the Muslim World League, the event will bring together leading Islamic scholars and muftis from across sects and schools of thought

Makkah will host the second edition of the international conference “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” on Thursday, under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Organized by the Muslim World League, the event will bring together leading Islamic scholars and muftis from across sects and schools of thought, representing more than 90 countries.

The conference aims to foster greater Islamic unity by moving beyond traditional dialogues to practical initiatives.

Discussions will focus on implementing programs outlined in the Building Bridges Between Islamic Sects charter, coordinating efforts to address shared challenges, and establishing structured initiatives that promote moderation while countering sectarian rhetoric and practices.

The conference will reinforce Islamic solidarity across sects while reaffirming the achievements of last year’s edition in Makkah.

It aims to expand the Muslim coalition initiative through structured programs derived from keynote speeches, panel discussions, and anticipated recommendations.

The inaugural conference and its unifying charter embodied Islam’s wisdom and inclusivity, laying the foundation for coordinated efforts among moderate Islamic forces—regardless of sect or school of thought—for the benefit of the Muslim world.

It also sought to counter extremism and radicalism, which have distorted the true image of Islam.

This year’s edition continues to uphold a shared vision rooted in unity and cooperation. Scholars from across the Islamic world will gather at Islam’s holiest site to foster deeper solidarity, moving beyond historical apprehensions toward a future defined by brotherhood and mutual respect.

The first conference concluded with a landmark Building Bridges document comprising 28 articles focused on tolerance and inter-sectarian cohesion.

Participants pledged to uphold its principles and integrate them within their academic institutions and national communities while respecting local laws and international regulations.

They also urged religious bodies, societal leaders, and national institutions to endorse and support the charter’s objectives.



Arab League Condemns Israeli Decision to Establish New Settlements in West Bank

A general view shows the opening session of the meeting of Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League Headquarters (Reuters)
A general view shows the opening session of the meeting of Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League Headquarters (Reuters)
TT

Arab League Condemns Israeli Decision to Establish New Settlements in West Bank

A general view shows the opening session of the meeting of Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League Headquarters (Reuters)
A general view shows the opening session of the meeting of Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League Headquarters (Reuters)

Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned the decision by the Israeli occupation’s ministerial committee to approve the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, considering it a blatant challenge to the international will rejecting settlement activity and a violation of international law, which affirms the illegitimacy of settlements.

In a statement issued Monday, the secretary-general said the continued expansion of illegal settlement activity aims to prevent the establishment of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state and reflects the nature of the Israeli government, which he said is controlled by extremists and settlers, SPA reported.

Aboul Gheit stressed that settlement expansion will not make it legitimate under any circumstances.

 

He highlighted that the violence practiced by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank constitutes a form of terrorism carried out under the watch and with the protection of the official institutions of the occupying power.


Saudi FM Arrives in Muscat for Meeting of Saudi-Omani Coordination Council 

Omani FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi welcomes his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah upon his arrival in Muscat. (SPA)
Omani FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi welcomes his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah upon his arrival in Muscat. (SPA)
TT

Saudi FM Arrives in Muscat for Meeting of Saudi-Omani Coordination Council 

Omani FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi welcomes his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah upon his arrival in Muscat. (SPA)
Omani FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi welcomes his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah upon his arrival in Muscat. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Muscat on Monday.

He was received by his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi upon his arrival at Muscat International Airport.

The two sides are scheduled to hold the third meeting of the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council.


Saudi Defense Minister Decorates Pakistan's Army Chief with King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class

The ceremony took place in Riyadh on Sunday upon the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The ceremony took place in Riyadh on Sunday upon the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
TT

Saudi Defense Minister Decorates Pakistan's Army Chief with King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class

The ceremony took place in Riyadh on Sunday upon the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The ceremony took place in Riyadh on Sunday upon the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has decorated Chief of the Pakistani Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir with King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class, honoring his distinguished efforts to strengthen the strategic relationship and cooperation between the two nations.

The ceremony took place in Riyadh on Sunday upon the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Prince Khalid congratulated Field Marshal Munir on his appointment as Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces, wishing him continued success in his new role.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the historical Saudi-Pakistani relations and the strategic cooperation in defense, discussing efforts to establish the foundations of international peace and security, as well as issues of common interest.