HM King's speech to Arab-Islamic-American Summit

Riyadh, May 21 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today participated in the Arab-Islamic-American Summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia at King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre here. HM King Hamad addressed the following speech: "In the name of Allah, the most beneficent, the most merciful, "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Monarch of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, "Your Excellency the honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, "Your Highnesses and Excellencies the leaders of the Arab and Islamic countries, "Peace, Mercy and blessings of God be upon you, "Firstly, We are pleased to express our sincere thanks to our brother the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques for the kind invitation, warm welcome and hospitality which we received in our second home, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We also welcome his Excellency Donald Trump, President of the close friend, the United States of America and all our dear brothers to this meeting which indicates the great importance we all attach to the reinforcement of joint cooperation in all fields and to boosting our cooperation in a way that realizes our aspirations according to firm foundations based on mutual respect, mutual trust, and shared interests. "The Arab and Islamic States’ relations with the United States are longstanding and historically deep-rooted, based on shared interests, values; and a historical legacy that gives these relations great momentum and motivates us to push them forward to new phases of constant progress at all levels, for being of vital importance to achieve world security and peace, notably in light of the rapid developments in the region and the complex crises facing the world. This makes consultations between us inevitable, broad cooperation necessary, and coordination between the governments and military institutions of our countries ongoing to ensure that our front is united and our ranks are unified in the face of all forms of terrorism in order to defeat it. "If terrorism, violence and extremism are the main sources behind dividing peoples, then cooperation, tolerance and co-existence are the fundamental factors for nations and communities to come together. And since Islam’s message came for all mankind, Islam can only be a religion of tolerance and co-existence among people and nations, a religion that preaches justice and equity and calls for acquaintance and cooperation. "We affirm that this meeting will lay the foundation for a more prosperous phase of cooperation between us. It will be a powerful start and a solid basis for a decisive confrontation of the various challenges facing our countries and affecting, with serious repercussions, the future of our peoples. We are united by common goals: tackling the different issues relating to world security and safety, addressing them effectively, and establishing firm pillars of security and peace for the sake of a more secure, stable and prosperous world. "The positive approach adopted by our close friend the United States of America, which reflects its awareness of the dangers that threaten the countries of the world and its keenness on its alliance with the Islamic countries as part of its constant endeavors to firmly confront these threats - increases our confidence in the success of our meeting in enhancing the mutual alliance and mutual cooperation to the furthest extent possible, serving our mutual interests, ensuring a firm confrontation of all terrorist organizations and militias and those who support them, repelling anyone who tries to destabilize our societies, and stopping all forms of interference in our internal affairs "In conclusion, we would like to express our sincere wishes for this meeting to succeed in coming up with common positions and visions to deal with all issues that concern us in a way that will guarantee progress and prosperity to our countries and peoples. After Allah, we thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his wise leadership and determination that brought us together for goodness. "God’s peace and blessing be upon you."