The custodian of the two holy mosques receiving guests at the Al-Janadriah festival yesterday. Prince Khalid bin Fahd bin Khalid, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Fahd bin Faisal, the Governor of Riyadh Prince Faisal Bin Bandar and the Mufti of Mauritania Sheikh Ahmed Al-Murabit can be seen (SPA)

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz stressed that Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself and clarified that it does not accept interference in its internal affairs.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques told guests at the 30th National Festival for Heritage and Culture (Al-Janadriya festival) whom he met at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh yesterday that Saudi Arabia is keen “for stability and peace to prevail in the region”. He added that “it is our right to defend ourselves without interference in the affairs of others, and we invite others to refrain from interfering in our affairs”. King Salman went on to say that “we are cooperating with our Arab and Muslim brothers everywhere to defend their countries, guarantee their independence and protect their rule”.

King Salman explained in his speech that “Islam is a moderate, just and merciful religion and terrorists who carry out terrorist acts in the name of Islam do not die for Islam at all”. He continued by saying that “there should be cooperation in the fight against poverty and ignorance so that our peoples appreciate what they are blessed with”. He stressed that thinkers and intellectuals “have a duty to join forces, unify the ranks and enlighten the nation. We must be optimistic despite the circumstances that we are in”.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also referred to the stability enjoyed by Saudi Arabia and said that “there are no crises, disruptions or threats to security in the kingdom”. He added in this regard “we have been honoured to serve the two holy mosques for more than three decades and we represent Muslims from all around the world. This is an honour for us and our biggest responsibility in the country is serving pilgrims to God’s house and visitors of the prophet’s mosque (upon him be peace)”.