Government | Saturday 1 June, 2019 4:39 am |

 The 14th Islamic summit of the Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC) started under the theme "Hand in Hand Towards Future" at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah this evening under the chairmanship of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Upon arrival of Their Majesties, Excellences, Highnesses the leaders and heads of delegations of Islamic countries at the venue, they were received by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. They were also received by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Region; and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.
This was followed by a memorial photo session.
Following the reception ceremony, the Islamic ordinary summit was opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.

Then, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques delivered the following speech:
"In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
Praise be to Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah,
Your Majesties, Your Highnesses, Your Excellencies,
Your Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,
Dear Audience,
May Allah's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.
I welcome you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Credle of Revelation, and from the vicinity of the Sacred House of Allah, the Muslim's Qiblah (Direction), and in this blessed month, where we gather at this summit, which we hope will achieve our aspirations of pride, progress, security, peace, prosperity for our Islamic nation.
I am pleased to thank His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey for his efforts during his presidency of the previous session of the Islamic Summit.
I also thank His Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for the works carried out by the Secretariat to serve the Islamic cooperation.
Dear Brothers,
We recall the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, taking place after the burning of Al-Aqsa Mosque which is still under occupation and subjected to systematic attacks.
The Palestinian cause is the cornerstone of the works of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and is the focus of our attention until the brotherly Palestinian people get all their legitimate rights guaranteed by the international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.
We reaffirm our unequivocal rejection of any measures that would prejudice the historical and legal status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

Dear Brothers,
Extremism and terrorism are the most serious scourge facing our Muslim nation and the world at large.
Efforts must be made to combat them, expose their supporters and dry up their financial resources in all available ways and means.
Unfortunately, terrorism in our region is hitting again.
During this holy month, commercial vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, were subjected near the UAE's territorial waters to terrorist sabotage. This poses a serious threat to the security and safety of maritime traffic and regional and international security. Also, two oil pump stations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were attacked by drones launched by Iranian-backed terrorist militias.
We emphasize that these subversive terrorist acts not only target the Kingdom and the Gulf region, but also the security of navigation and world energy supplies.
Dear Brothers,
It is painful that Muslims make up the highest proportion of displaced people and refugees worldwide due to unrest, wars and decline of safe living opportunities in their countries.
Emanating from this, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been seeking to reconcile the different viewpoints to serve the Islamic countries and their peoples, while continuing to provide assistance and help through the humanitarian and relief effort in order to maintain the sovereignty, security and stability of the Islamic countries under a national unity and territorial integrity.
Dear Brothers,
Restructuring, developing and reforming the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has become an urgent need to address the regional and international challenges facing our nation. Through its presidency of the Summit, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will endeavor to work with OIC Member States and OIC General Secretariat to accelerate the activation of the joint Islamic action tools to achieve the aspiration of peoples of our Islamic nation.
In conclusion, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you in your second country, praying to Allah Almighty to grant our Summit all success and bless our work and lead us to achieve dignity, security, stability, prosperity and development for our Muslim nation.
May Allah's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you."

Then, a number of speeches were delivered at the Islamic Summit by OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Turkish Foreign Minister Mouloud Gawish Oglu, Tunisian President Mohamed Beji Caid Essebsi, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wajed, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait, King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, President Macky Sall of Senegal, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan.
Following the conclusion of the Summit, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques held Suhoor banquet in honor of the leaders and heads of delegations of Muslim countries.
The Kingdom's delegation to the Islamic Summit included His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense; Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior; Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of National Guard; Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet; Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet; and Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs.