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President Bush Praises King Abdullah’s Efforts | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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U.S. President George W. Bush poses with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in New York. (AFP)


U.S. President George W. Bush poses with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in New York. (AFP)

U.S. President George W. Bush poses with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in New York. (AFP)

New York, (SPA)- US President addressing the conference of dialogue among followers of religions and cultures here yesterday lauded the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, and said ‘he has persuaded us all to meet here and to talk about belief’ adding that ‘I do appreciate realizing the real strength of the belief’.

Bush thanked all countries which participated in the conference and said ‘through dialogue we can work for peace and through dialogue everyone will feel the dignity bestowed on him by Allah Almighty’.

On his part, Pakistani President Asif Zardari highlighted the initiative of King Abdullah for convening the conference at the UN.

He noted that the initiative stands as a witness for King Abdullah’s wisdom and praised his efforts for attaining development and progress in his country taking into account the importance of preserving the fundamentals and principles of Islam.

He also hailed the visit of King Abdullah to the Vatican for starting a dialogue between the most important religions, namely: Islam and Christianity.

Meanwhile Speaker of the Spanish Senate Francisco Javier Roho said in line with King Abdullah’s initiative several leaders of the world have gathered to attend the conference.

He reiterated the support of his country to the initiative pertaining to dialogue and understanding among the various nations, and for the containment of extremism.

‘we have welcomed the convening of the conference in Spain last July, he said.

On the other hand Turkish Premier Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the initiative of King Abdullah, and said it would positively contribute to the ongoing efforts for enhancing dialogue among followers of religions.

He noted that the settlement of the Arab Israeli dispute and enhancing the pillars of stability in Iraq are essential elements for realizing the global peace.

On his part, OIC’s secretary general Professor Ekmel-Eddin Ihsan Oglu described the initiative of King Abdullah as the most important initiative among the similar initiatives.

The Muslim world and the OIC attach a great importance to the initiative and hope that it will yield positive results, he noted.

The initiative will positively contribute to the ongoing international efforts for bringing about peace and to enhancing understanding among the nations and followers of various religions, he added.

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia smiles as he welcomes U.S. President George W. Bush in New York. (R)

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia smiles as he welcomes U.S. President George W. Bush in New York. (R)

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah arrives at meeting of the General Assembly on the Culture of Peace at the United Nations headquarters. (R)

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah arrives at meeting of the General Assembly on the Culture of Peace at the United Nations headquarters. (R)