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April 22, 2005 |
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CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE CROWN PRINCE AND PRESIDENT CHIRAC. PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ DONATES £ TWO MILLION TO OXFORD UNIVERSITY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF ACADEMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN HIS PROGRAMME AND THE UNIVERSITY. THE FOUNDATION OF AN ISLAMIC GALLERY WITH THE NAME OF PRINCE SULTAN IN THE OLDEST BRITISH MUSEUM. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of congratulations to Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad on the anniversary of his country's National Day. The Monarch wished the President continuous good health and happiness and the Syrian people steady progress and prosperity. In his cable, King Fahd also hailed the existing strong relations between the two brotherly countries. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, and Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, have also sent similar cables of greetings to the Syrian president. On the other hand a number of Shoura Council's members were sworn in at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah palace before the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz. The members are Dr. Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al-Zamil; Dr. Bakr Hamazh Khasheem; Dr. Majdi Hariri; Dr. Abdul Rahman Saleh Al-Atram; Dr. Majid Al-Muneef and Dr. Saleh Al-Marzouq Al-Baqmi. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Saud Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Chief of General Intelligence; Dr. Saleh Ibn Abdullah Ibn Homaid, Chairman of Shoura Council and a number of officials. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz received at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah palace the sons of the late Prince Musaed Ibn Ahmed Al-Sudairi. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his condolences on the death of the prince, praying to Almighty Allah to bless his soul. The reception was attended by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Saud Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Chief of General Intelligence; and a number of officials. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received a telephone call from the French President Jacques Chirac. During the conversation, they reviewed the new regional and international developments in addition to bilateral relations between the two countries. On the other hand the scheduled visit of Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, to Canada has been postponed due to the current elections in the country, said an official source. Meantime a Saudi delegation including businessmen, thinkers, writers and academicians visited France from the 4th to the 14th of April under the chairmanship of Dr Abu Bakr Ahmed Bakader, advisor to the Minister of Culture and Information. The visit aimed at building relations with different French sectors. The visit covered French financial institutions, the Arab World Institute, the Political Science Institute, the Human Sciences Centre, the French Institute for International Relations, the National Library and the Louvres. Discussions different sectors of interest to both countries in the financial and economy markets as well as in the cultural field. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received the designate Ambassador of Greece to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ioannis-Theodoros Economou. They exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest. In a move to promote understanding between Islam and the West, Saudi Arabia has donated about SR13 million to a leading British museum for the creation of a new Saudi and Islamic gallery. The money has been donated to Ashmolean Museum of Oxford University, the oldest British museum, on the personal initiative of Prince Sultan, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General. "The Islamic gallery will be attached to Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, which already has a rich collection of exhibits from the Middle East and Islamic world," Saudi and British officials said. Ashmolean Museum was the first museum in the world to be opened to the public when it was officially inaugurated way back in 1683, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The museum's treasures include rare exhibits from various Islamic countries. The officials said the money from Prince Sultan will pay for a new Saudi and Islamic gallery, which will help to portray Islamic culture and civilization in right perspectives. It will also help fund scholarships for Saudi students at Oxford University. "I am very pleased that the new student scholarship scheme will enable 10 Saudi students to study at Oxford," said Prince Sultan. "It will be an honor for our students to attend this ancient seat of learning, amongst students from around the world," said the prince, while appreciating the facilities at Ashmolean, which also houses a significant collection of art and archaeology from eastern and western civilizations. The museum has been a part of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and lays claim to nine centuries of continuous existence. As an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research, Oxford attracts students and scholars from around the globe, with almost a quarter of students from overseas. More than 130 nationalities including Saudis are represented among its student population. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, has donated SR 10 million to the International Academy for Health Sciences and SR 2 million provided annually in support of the Academy's activities. Prince Sultan announced the donation during an audience with the Academy's Chairman of Board of Directors Ibrahim Al-Zuwaid, the board's members and a number of students who came to greet the Prince and express their loyalty to the homeland through their participation in the National Solidarity Counter-terrorism Campaign. In their speech, they denounced the criminal acts committed by the deviating group in the Kingdom. Prince Sultan thanked them for their sincere national feelings, praising the Academy's efforts. The Second Deputy Prime Minister has also issued his directives to treat the Indonesian expatriate Tarseem Gassim who was injured in Al Rass at Prince Sultan Humanitarian City in Riyadh. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received Bangladesh's Designate Ambassador to the Kingdom retired Major General Shah Mohammed Ikram Alhaq. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by a number of officials. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received the Australian ambassador to the Kingdom Ian Biggs. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by a number of officials. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received the Indian Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. Prince Sultan also received Belgium's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Rudi Schellinck. During the two separate meetings, Prince Sultan exchanged cordial talks with the Indian Finance Minister and the Belgian Ambassador and discussed with them issues of common interest. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received princes, ministers and senior officials as well as commanders and officers of the National Guard, who came to greet him. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, has received a message from Djibouti's President Isma'il Omar Gilah. The message was delivered to him by Djibouti's ambassador to the Kingdom Ziauddin Saeed Bamakhrama during a meeting. Prince Sultan reviewed with the ambassador issues of mutual interest. Prince General Miteb Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Deputy Commander of the National Guard for Military Affairs, patronized the closing ceremony of Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Contest for Memorization of the Holy Quran in the National Guard. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. Addressing the ceremony, the Prince pointed out that the contest clearly embodies the Crown Prince's interest in the Holy Quran, noting that the government has held international and local contests for memorization, recitation, intonation and interpretation of the Holy Quran due to its significance in our life. Then Prince General Miteb Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz launched the contest's website on the internet and handed prizes to the winners. Later, he inaugurated an exhibition held on the fringes of the contest highlighting the National Guard's efforts to take care of the Holy Quran. The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Salih Al-Lehaidan, Chairman of Judiciary Higher Council, and a number of officials. In Tabuk Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Tabuk region held a dinner party in honour of the Kingdom's Grand Mufti and Chairman of Senior Ulema Commission and Department of Religious Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh and the Minister of Water and Electricity Engineer Abdullah Al Hossein. The Kingdom's Grand Mufti and Chairman of Senior Ulema Commission and Department of Religious Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh delivered a speech in which he praised the unity of the country. In his speech the Grand Mufti talked about the relationship between the leaders and the citizens and its importance in facing dangers and praised the Governors of the regions who open their doors to everyone. The Grand Mufti condemned all acts of terrorism that took place in the Kingdom and condemned those who implement then stressing that these acts are all against Islam. He also talked about smear campaigns and prayed God the Almighty to preserve the Kingdom, its leadership and people. The event was attended by a number of officials. On the other hand Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Tabuk patronized the annual ceremony of the Charitable Society for Quran memorization in Tabuk, which was held to honour Quran memorizers in the region. The event was attended by the Kingdom's Grand Mufti and Chairman of Senior Ulema Commission and Department of Religious Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh. The ceremony started with readings from the Holy Quran presented by the contesters then the Chief Judge of Tabuk region delivered a speech in which he praised the care given by the Governor of Tabuk Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz to Quran memorization and congratulated the Prince for the extension of his employment as Governor of the region. The Chief judge spoke about the society and its aims and said it includes 627 sessions that include more than 14 thousands students all studying the Holy Quran. Then a student delivered a short speech condemning terrorism. Then Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan presented the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al Sheikh who delivered a speech in which he thanked Prince Fahd Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz for patronizing the event. The Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al Sheikh highlighted the great attention being given by the Saudi officials to the Holy Quran. He noted that the organization of the these sessions aims at encouraging the youth to memorize and intonate the Holy Quran and said memorization of the Holy Quran paves the way for the person to become a God-fearing man, and stressed the importance of the Quran in the life of a person as it the Quran that gives them the power and the strength. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al Sheikh noted that the Holy Quran is the way for the Muslims to restore the glories of the past, and to be awakened in the present time to bring about development and progress. He praised the great attention paid by the Saudi government under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard and Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General to the Holy Quran and greeted the participants in the contest. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al Sheikh pointed out that the Quran is the support everyone needs in time of crisis as it provides strength through patience, consolidation, support and strong will. He added the Muslim world faces a crisis because of the weakness of the Muslim nation. He stressed that no glory would be achieved without the Quran. The Grand Mufti reiterated the great importance the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attaches to the Holy Quran and its sciences. He noted that Madinah-based King Fahd Holy Quran Printing Complex bears witness to the great attention given by Saudi officials to the Holy Quran. 'The only way for the Muslims to restore the glories of their past is to return to the Holy Quran and apply its teachings', he said and added: 'The rulers of the Kingdom, the cradle of Islam and the country which has been holding high the banner of Islam, extend all possible support to the schools of the Holy Quran memorization'. The Grand Mufti slammed the heinous campaigns launched against Islam by certain quarters. He said Islam respects human rights, adding that 'before the advent of Islam there were no legalized human rights'. Underscoring the importance of adherence to the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah (the Prophet's teachings), Al Al-Sheikh said Islam advocates dialogue and coexistence. 'Islam is the religion of justice, tolerance and mercy', he said. Al Al-Sheikh urged Muslim scholars and callers to preach Islam in "a wise and rational manner." He said Islam runs counter to extremism, fanaticism and all forms of terrorism. The Grand Mufti added that God the Almighty has blessed the Muslim nation with the Quran, which is the Charter of the nation and its way of life. He stressed the importance of the Quran to members of the society as it provides them with moral strength and ceased the opportunity to recommend that more care should be accorded to the Holy Quran. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al Sheikh said The Holy Qur'an is the basis for the faith of every Muslim and his guide to living. It provides guidelines for personal conduct within a just society. It provides guidance on all aspects of life, covering personal, social, military and legal matters, as well as religion. He added that language of the Holy Quran is of outstanding beauty and is considered to be the direct utterance of Allah. It teaches that there is only one God, that God is above all comprehension and that, in relation to God, the right path is total submission (Islam) to the will of the Creator. It avers that there is a day of judgment for all, when the righteous shall be rewarded and the unjust punished. Because of its divine origin, the Holy Quran is treated with great reverence by all Muslims. The Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al Sheikh noted that the organization of the contest aims at encouraging the boys and girls for memorization and intonation of the Holy Quran. He noted the responsibility of parents in following their children education and upbringing and the role of teachers in educating children on the bases and principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him. The Grand Mufti talked about the role of Imams and callers and the media in promoting the principles of our religion and informing youth about the right path of Islam away from extremism and fanaticism. The Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al Sheikh ended his speech thanking Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz for the efforts exerted in the progress of the region then Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Tabuk region and the Grand Mufti handed over the certificates to students and graduates. |
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