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King Salman: Extremism, Clash of Cultures Are Main Challenges to Islamic Nation | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques visits Indonesian House of Representatives (SPA)


Jakarta – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz called on the Islamic nation to unify efforts to face challenges represented by extremism, terrorism and clash of cultures.

Addressing the Indonesian Parliament in Jakarta on Thursday, King Salman said: “Challenges facing the Islamic nation, particularly, and the world in general, including extremism and terrorism, clash of cultures, non-respect for sovereignty of countries, and interference in their internal affairs, necessitate that we stand united and coordinate stances and efforts to serve our common interests and international peace and security.”

The Saudi monarch landed in Indonesia on Wednesday, following a state visit to Malaysia. His month-long Asian tour will also include Brunei, Japan, China, Maldives and Jordan.

Speaker Setya Novanto and senior officials welcomed the King upon his arrival at the Indonesian House of Representatives.

In a speech addressed on the occasion, King Salman said: “I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Indonesia for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.”

“This visit to your sisterly country preceded by the previous visit of the President to the Kingdom, as well as mutual visits between officials, come to strengthen our cooperation in all fields to serve the interests and aspirations of our two countries,” he added.

Novanto said the Saudi King’s historic visit has stressed strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

He praised the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its future objectives, pointing to the challenges facing the world and the importance of cooperation to achieve security and peace.

Also on Thursday, King Salman visited Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, which is considered one of the most prominent Islamic landmarks in Indonesia.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddi and a number of Indonesian officials received the King upon his arrival to the mosque.

King Salman and Widodo also met Thursday with leading Islamic figures in Indonesia.
Discussion during the meeting touched on challenges facing the Islamic nation and the need to spread Islam as a religion of tolerance and moderation.