The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Ibn Abdulaziz affirmed that Islam was and will remain the religion of mercy, forgiveness, and coexistence. In its brightest era, Islam presented the finest examples of coexistence and harmony among followers of other religions. “The Kingdom was a target for terrorism and suffered for a long time, and the terrorist ideology seeks to achieve its pseudo-legitimacy and spread by targeting the Muslim Holy City of Makkah,” the King said.
King Salman added, “The Iranian regime has been at the head of the global terror since the period of Khomeini. We have regard for the Iranian people who should not be blamed for the crimes of their regime.” His Majesty continued, “Our responsibility before God and our people and the whole world is to stand united to fight the forces of evil and extremism wherever they are … The Iranian regime represents is the spearhead of global terrorism.”
In addition to choosing Saudi Arabia as the first destination in his abroad trip, US President Donald Trump urged Arab and Islamic leaders to unite and do their share to defeat extremism, making an impassioned plea to “drive out” terrorists out of Muslims lands.
Trump singled out Iran as a key source of support for militant and extremist groups. His words aligned completely with the views of King Salman. Trump also sent a tough message to Tehran one day after Rouhani won a second term in the Iranian presidential elections.
According to the ‘Riyadh Declaration’ under the item, “Address sectarian agendas and the intervention acts in the affairs of states”, the leaders affirmed their total rejection of the Iranian regime’s destabilizing practices in the region and the world and its ongoing support for terrorism and extremism.
The leaders also condemned the hostile positions of the Iranian regime and its interference in the internal affairs of States in flagrant violation for the principles of international law and good neighborliness, affirming their commitment to confront these acts.
In addition, the leaders committed to intensifying their efforts to maintain the security of the region and the world, and to confront Iran’s destructive activities firmly within their own countries and through joint coordination. And they stressed on the seriousness of Iran’s ballistic missile program and condemned the Iranian regime’s ongoing violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Moreover, the United States and Gulf Arab countries announced an agreement to coordinate efforts against the financing of terrorist groups.
In conclusion, the ‘Riyadh Declaration’ adopted at the end of this Arab Islamic American Summit four pivotal points:
1. Condemnation of all calls for sectarianism and prevention of Iranian intervention and practices in the region.
2. Fostering values tolerance among peoples and religions in a way that serves all of the humanity.
3. Strengthening joint work to combat extremism and terrorism.
4. Protecting waterways and sea passages and fighting piracy.
