xxxx. Religion. Regarding terrorism, the King of Saudi Arabia, said, "We have to stand united to fight the forces of evil and extremism whatever their source, in compliance with the orders of our true Islamic religion. Islam was and will remain the religion of mercy, tolerance and coexistence which were confirmed by clear examples."
During its bright eras, Islam provided the best examples in coexistence and harmony among interreligious and intercultural, he added He decried some who consider themselves as Muslims "but seek to present a distorted image of our religion by linking it with violence."
The King of Saudi Arabia underlined that one of the most important purposes of Islamic law is self-preservation and there is no honour in committing crimes. "Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. Islam urges reconstruction of the land and prohibition of destruction and corruption. Islam considers killing an innocent as killing all people."
He cautioned that abhorrent acts are only committed as a result of attempts to exploit Islam as a cover for political purposes that fuel hatred, extremism, terrorism and religious and sectarian conflicts. He added that the Iranian regime and its affiliated groups and organisations such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, as well as Daesh and al-Qaeda and others are clear examples.
King Salman said that the Iranian regime spearheads the global terrorism since Khomeini revolution until today. "Since 300 years ago, we, in this country, did not witness terrorism or extremism until Khomeini revolution emerged in 1979."
He added that Iran has rejected initiatives of good neighborhoud provided by our countries based on good faith. Iran replaced these initiatives with expansionist ambitions, criminal practices, interferences in the internal affairs of other countries, flagrant violations of the international law, and violations of the principles of good-neighbourliness, coexistence and mutual respect, The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques said.
The King of Saudi Arabia noted that the Iranian regime erroneously thought that "our silence a sign of weakness and our wisdom a retreat. Later on, we had enough of its hostile practices and interventions, as we have seen in Yemen and other countries in the region."
"We say this, as we confirm, at the same time, our appreciation of and respect to the Iranian people, who will not be blamed for the crimes of their regime," he said.
King Salman said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long suffered and was a target of terrorism because it is the focus of Islam and Qibla of Muslims. The terrorists had sought to achieve fake legitimacy through targeting Muslims Qibla and centre of their gravity, he added.
"We confirm our determination to wipe out Daesh organisation and other terrorist organisations, regardless of their religion, sect or thought. This is why we have formed the Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism, considered a pioneering step to besiege terrorism," he added.
To tackle the terrorism, King Salman announced the launch of the International Centre for Combating Extremism, in collaboration with peace-loving countries and international organisations, to spread the principles of moderation, confronting the attempts to lure the juniors, immunising families and societies against deviant thought and waging a fierce war against the weak logic and controversy of the terrorists.
Then, President Donald Trump of the United States of America delivered a speech in which he thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Saudi government and people for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation since their arrival, expressing his pride of visiting the Kingdom.
"I want to thank King Salman bin Abdulaziz for his extraordinary words, and the magnificent Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting today’s summit. I am honoured to be received by such gracious hosts. I have always heard about the splendour of your country and the kindness of your citizens, but words do not do justice to the grandeur of this remarkable state and the incredible hospitality you have shown us from the moment we arrived," Trump said.
The US President recalled the historic meeting between the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdurrahman and the late U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt. Since then the enduring partnership has begun between the two countries.
He extended deep and heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of the distinguished heads of the Arab and Islamic states participating in this summit.
"In my inaugural address to the American People, I pledged to strengthen America’s oldest friendships, and to build new partnerships in pursuit of peace. I also promised that America will not seek to impose way of life on others, but to outstretch our hands in the spirit of cooperation and trust. Our vision is one of peace, security, and prosperity-in this region, and in the world. Our goal is a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out extremism and providing our children a hopeful future in accordance with this historic and unprecedented gathering," he added.
"Yesterday, we signed historic agreements with the Kingdom to invest about US$400 billion in our two countries and create many thousands of jobs in America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he said.
President Trump stressed that this landmark agreement includes announcement of a $110 billion Saudi-funded defence purchases which will enhance the Saudi military to take a greater role in security operations. "We have also started discussions with many of the countries present today on strengthening partnerships, and forming new ones, to advance security and stability across the Middle East and beyond," he said.
"We will make history again with the opening of a new global centre for combating extremist ideology, in this central part of the Islamic world.
This groundbreaking new centre represents a clear declaration that Muslim-majority countries must take the lead in combating radicalisation, and I want to express our gratitude to King Salman for this strong demonstration of leadership," the U.S. President said.
"America is a sovereign nation and our first priority is always the safety and security of our citizens. We are here to offer partnership based on shared interests and values. But above all, we must be united in pursuing one goal that transcends every other considerations. That goal is to deal extremists a historic defeat and vanquish the forces of terrorism," President Trump said.
The US President referred to the deadliest toll inflicted by the terrorists on the innocent people of Arab, Muslim and Middle Eastern nations. President Trump stressed that some estimates hold that more than 90% of the victims of terrorism are Muslims.
The US President stressed necessity of eradicating terrorism, noting that the Middle East is rich with natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and massive amounts of historic treasures to be protected.

Source: WAM