Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman: Centrism and moderation are Saudi Arabia’s strategic choice

CAPTION: Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal Ibn Salman at the third ‘Ambassadors of Centrism’ program organized by Taibah University in Madinah. (AN photo)

JEDDAH: Prince Faisal bin Salman, the governor of Madinah, said that “centrism and moderation have been a strategic choice for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since its founding by its founder King Abdul Aziz Al- Saud.”
As the patron of the third “Ambassadors of Centrism” program organized by Taibah University in Madinah, yesterday evening, Prince Faisal added: “Since then, the leaders of this nation have strived to uphold this noble mission up to this day during the reign of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the reign that has witnessed the inauguration of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) in the Saudi capital Riyadh. It is now a global guiding light in combating extremist thought, and enhancing the culture of centrism and moderation.”
“This great step fulfills the Kingdom’s ongoing mission in promoting and disseminating these values, as part and parcel of its efforts to confront violence and extremism, based on the Kingdom’s religious, political, economic status and influence in both the Arab and Islamic worlds.”
The prince went on to say that “pushing for joint efforts toward centrism and moderation through the enlightened discourse of religious learned men and thinkers when talking to youth, will ensure the achievement of the true teachings of Islam in every walk of life.” He then pointed out that “this is what the Saudi government has been diligently doing in its continuous endeavor to stress that moderate Islam is the religion of tolerance and peace, which respects human dignity, and strengthen the principles of togetherness of all, and secure the rule of law and justice.”
Prince Faisal concluded his speech by saying that “extremist ideology must be confronted by moderate thought based on the teachings of our true religion. The Kingdom, for this reason has led, in the sphere of foreign relations, several international humanitarian initiatives as part of its continuous efforts in the cause of peace,” adding that “such initiatives and programs, sponsored by the Saudi government inside educational institutions, are yielding an ever stronger partnership with society in fighting extremist ideology, and creating a culture of tolerance and centrism in future generations.”