Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh emphasized that Saudi Arabia does not interfere in the internal affairs of any country.

“On the other hand, the Kingdom is keen to extend a helping hand to all and this is out of concern for Muslims. It is also spreading the true religion based on moderation as stated in the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette after meeting President of the Islamic Sheikhdom and Grand Mufti of Montenegro Rifaat Vizic at his residence in Podgorica, capital of Montenegro.

Those who attended the reception also included Faisal Hefzi, Saudi ambassador to Albania and a non-resident in Montenegro.

Al-Sheikh arrived here on an official visit during which a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Islamic sheikhdom and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance in the fields of Islamic affairs.

The minister said that the Kingdom provides great services to Islam and Muslims in all corners of the globe.

“This visit comes in line with the directives of the Saudi leadership, as it is keen on the welfare of the Muslims of Montenegro as well as on enhancing joint cooperation between the two countries.

“The bonds of friendship between Saudi Arabia and Montenegro and their friendly peoples reflect the good relations between the two countries,” he said.

Al-Sheikh emphasized that Saudi Arabia, in its capacity as the cradle of the message of Islam and host of the qiblah of Muslims around the world, is concerned with communicating with every Muslim in this world.

“From this standpoint comes the signing of this agreement that consolidates relations and strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation,” he said while hoping that it will be the beginning of fruitful and constructive cooperation.

The minister noted the Kingdom’s keenness to build bridges of communication with friendly countries, based on its moral and religious duty, and its relentless pursuit of everything that serves Islam and Muslims around the world.

For his part, Vizic affirmed his country’s keenness to enhance cooperation with the Kingdom and benefit from its pioneering experience as it is the country that hosts the qiblah of Islam.

“The Muslim community, who represent about 25 percent of the people of Montenegro, looks positively at this visit and its outcome,” he said.

He hoped that this will enhance cooperation in spreading the values of Islam, which is the religion of coexistence, mercy and tolerance, and benefit from the Kingdom’s ancient experience in everything that serves Islam.