Riyadh, SPA :

 The Arab-Islamic-American Summit started at King Abdulaziz International Convention in Riyadh yesterday.

 Before the meeting, memorial photos were taken for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and leaders and heads of delegations participating in the summit.

The summit started with a recitation of verses of the Holy Quran. Then, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud delivered the following speech:

 "In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most gracious.

 All praise is due to Allah, and Allah's peace and blessings be upon His messenger.

 Mr. President Donald Trump of the United States of America; Your Majesty, Excellencies and Highnesses:

 I welcome you in your second country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. May the leaders of the Arab and Muslim worlds allow me to welcome His Excellency President Donald Trump of the United States of America to an unprecedented historic summit that is being held at a very important and extremely serious time.

 Our meeting with His Excellency President of the United States of America, a country enjoying strong bonds of friendship and relationship with many of our countries, does reflect His Excellency's keenness on enhancing cooperation and coordinating stances in various fields. The meeting significantly shows that our 55 Arab and Islamic countries attending the summit today with a population exceeding 1.5 billion, are an important partner in fighting the forces of extremism and terrorism and achieving world peace, security and stability. His Excellency holds many hopes and aspirations for cooperation with the Arab and Muslim world.

 As we extend our thanks to an appreciation of His Excellency for his response to attend and participate in this summit, we reaffirm our happiness and gratitude for His Excellency's choice of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and this summit as His Excellency's first trip and external participation since assuming office. This does reflect the care given by His Excellency and his country to this summit. At the same time, we reaffirm that we share His Excellency the same noble feelings in terms of constructive cooperation to renounce extremism and work on countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, drying-up its sources, stopping all means of financing or disseminating terrorism, and firmly addressing this serious scourge on humanity as a whole.

 We are meeting today at this summit to express the seriousness in taking rapid steps to promote a genuine partnership with the friendly United States of America in a way that serves our common interests and contributes to achieving security, peace and development for all mankind, which is confirmed by our Islamic religion.

Dear brothers and friends:

 Due to our responsibility before Allah and then before our peoples and the world, we have to stand united to fight the forces of evil and extremism whatever their source, in compliance with the orders of our true Islamic religion. Islam was and will remain the religion of mercy, tolerance and coexistence which were confirmed by clear examples. During its bright eras, Islam provided the best examples in coexistence and harmony among interreligious and intercultural. But today, we see some who considered themselves as Muslims seek to present a distorted image of our religion where they seek to link this great religion with violence.

 We say to our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters of Muslims everywhere that one of the most important purposes of Islamic law is self-preservation and there is no honor in committing crimes. Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. Islam urged reconstruction of the land and prohibition of destruction and corruption. Islam considered killing an innocent as killing all people. Our way to achieve purposes of our religion and win the paradise is to spread the tolerant values of Islam based on peace, moderation and prevention of destruction and corruption on the ground.

 We, as countries and peoples, condemn all forms of harm to relations of the Islamic countries with the friendly countries and classification of peoples and states based on religious or sectarian basis. Such abhorrent acts are only made as a result of attempts to exploit Islam as a cover for political purposes that fuel hatred, extremism, terrorism and religious and sectarian conflicts. The Iranian regime and its affiliated groups and organizations such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, as well as ISIS (Deash) and Al-Qaeda and others are clear examples.

 The Iranian regime spearheads the global terrorism since Khomeini revolution until today. Since 300 years ago, we, in this country, did not witness terrorism or extremism until Khomeini revolution emerged in 1979.

 Iran has rejected initiatives of good neighborhood provided by our countries based on good faith. Iran replaced these initiatives with expansionist ambitions, criminal practices, interferences in the internal affairs of other countries, flagrant violations of the international law, and violations of the principles of good-neighborliness, coexistence and mutual respect.

 The Iranian regime erroneously thought that our silence a sign of weakness and our wisdom a retreat. Later on, we had enough of its hostile practices and interventions, as we have seen in Yemen and other countries in the region.

We say this, as we confirm, at the same time, our appreciation of and respect to the Iranian people, who will not be blamed for the crimes of their regime.

 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long suffered from and was a target of terrorism because it is the focus of Islam and Qibla of Muslims. The terrorist thought is seeking to achieve its fake legitimacy and spreading through targeting Muslims Qibla and center of their gravity.

 Thanks to Allah Almighty, we have succeeded to confront the terrorist acts, thwarted numerous terror attempts and helped our friendly countries all over the world to evade plots targeting their security and destabilizing their well-being.

 Dear Brothers and Friends:

 Pursuant to the efforts being exerted to fight terrorism, the Gulf Cooperation Council member countries concluded today a historic arrangement with the United States of America for taking firm measures to foil terror financing, i.e. establishing a center in the city of Riyadh aiming to root-out the sources of finance of terrorism. Thus, we look forward to more countries to join the center in future. This arrangement would be taken as an example as it is based on our current efforts in this regard. In the name of my brothers the leaders of Islamic countries now convening in Riyadh, I once again confirm that we would never be lenient in sending to justice whoever finance or support terrorism in any form or under any manifestation as he would be subject to decisive justice.

 Mr. President,

 Dear Bothers and Friends,

 As part of our war against terrorism, we confirm our determination to wipe out Daesh organization and other terrorist organizations, regardless of their religion, sect or thought. This is why we have formed the Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism, considered a pioneering step to besiege terrorism.

 Terrorism is a result of extremism, no doubt. Amid the need to confront it, we announce today the launch of the International Center for Combating Extremism, a measure aiming, in collaboration with peace-loving countries and international organizations, at spreading the principles of moderation, confronting the attempts to lure the juniors, vaccinating families and societies against deviant thought and waging a fierce war against the weak logic and controversy of the terrorists.

Rooting-out terrorism will not be achieved through direct confrontation only, but also through achieving sustainable development in its capacity as the most successful vaccinating dose, with the help of God Almighty, a notion embodied in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's vision 2030 in all its aspects, citing the keenness to invest in the youths, empowering of women, diversifying the economy and developing the education. No doubt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia supports and encourages every orientation of the brotherly and friendly countries aiming at activating sustainable development in their countries.

 We stress that achieving peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis is a just and necessary quest that requires joint sacrifices and sincere determination for the interest of all. The international community ought to intensify efforts to find a solution to the Syrian crisis to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people and preserve Syria's unity and sovereignty.

 Your Majesties, Excellences and Highnesses:

 The hopes and aspirations of our peoples are great, and our responsibilities to achieve these aspirations are immense, but your concern and keenness will make us resolute to face these duties. We are determined to hold on to development as a strategic goal to confront extremism and terrorism and provide a prosperous life.

 May Allah help us all to achieve success in what brings the good to our peoples.

 Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you".

Then, President Donald Trump of the United States of America delivered a speech in which he thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Saudi government and people for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation since their arrival, expressing his pride of visiting the Kingdom.

 "I want to thank King Salman bin Abdulaziz for his extraordinary words, and the magnificent Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting today’s summit. I am honored to be received by such gracious hosts. I have always heard about the splendor of your country and the kindness of your citizens, but words do not do justice to the grandeur of this remarkable state and the incredible hospitality you have shown us from the moment we arrived," Trump said.

 The US President remembered the historic meeting between late King Abdulaziz bin Abdurrahman and US President Franklin Roosevelt where enduring partnership has begun between the two countries.

 President Trump extended deep and heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of the distinguished heads of the Arab and Islamic states participating in this summit.

 "I stand before you as a representative of the American People, to deliver a message of friendship, love and hope. That is why I have chosen to make my first foreign trip to the heart of the Muslim world, to the nation that serves as the custodian of the two holy mosques and the Qiblah of the Muslim world," he said.

 "In my inaugural address to the American People, I pledged to strengthen America’s oldest friendships, and to build new partnerships in pursuit of peace. I also promised that America will not seek to impose way of life on others, but to outstretch our hands in the spirit of cooperation and trust.

 Our vision is one of peace, security, and prosperity-in this region, and in the world. Our goal is a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out extremism and providing our children a hopeful future in accordance with this historic and unprecedented gathering," he added.

 The US President hailed great warmth, good will, and tremendous cooperation during his meeting with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Crown Prince, and the Deputy Crown Prince.

 "Yesterday, we signed historic agreements with the Kingdom that will invest almost $400 billion in our two countries and create many thousands of jobs in America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he said.

 President Trump stressed that this landmark agreement includes announcement of a $110 billion Saudi-funded defense purchase which will help the Saudi military to take a greater role in security operations. "We have also started discussions with many of the countries present today on strengthening partnerships, and forming new ones, to advance security and stability across the Middle East and beyond," he said.

 "We will make history again with the opening of a new global center for combating extremist ideology, in this central part of the Islamic world.

 This groundbreaking new center represents a clear declaration that Muslim-majority countries must take the lead in combating radicalization, and I want to express our gratitude to King Salman for this strong demonstration of leadership," the US President said.

 "America is a sovereign nation and our first priority is always the safety and security of our citizens. We are here to offer partnership based on shared interests and values. But above all, we must be united in pursuing the one goal that transcends every other considerations, That goal is to deal extremists a historic defeat and vanquish the forces of terrorism," President Trump said.

 "With Allah’s help, this summit will mark the beginning of the end for those who practice terror and the beginning of peace in the Middle East," he said, stressing that this can only be achieved through defeating terrorism and the ideology that drives it.

 The US President stressed that a few countries did not suffer from violence of terrorism, pointing out that the deadliest toll has been exacted on the innocent people of Arab, Muslim and Middle Eastern nations. President Trump stressed that some estimates hold that more than 90% of the victims of terrorism are Muslims.

 The US President stressed necessity of eradicating terrorism, pointing out that the Middle East is rich with natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and massive amounts of historic treasures.

The US President said that terrorists have no religion, "this is not a battle between different faiths, different sects, or different civilizations. This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life, and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it. This is a battle between Good and Evil," he said.

 He stressed that America is committed to meet evolving threats through strategies based on experience and judgment. "We are adopting a principled realism, rooted in common values and shared interests," he said.

 "Our friends will never question our support, and our enemies will never doubt our determination. Our partnerships will advance security through stability, not through radical disruption. We will make decisions based on real-world outcomes, not inflexible ideology. We will be guided by the lessons of experience, not the confines of rigid thinking. And, wherever possible, we will seek gradual reforms, not sudden intervention," he said.

 "Above all, America seeks peace, not war. Muslim nations must be willing to take on the burden, if we are going to defeat terrorism and send its wicked ideology into oblivion. The first task in this joint effort is for your nations. Every country in the region has an absolute duty to ensure that terrorists find no sanctuary on their soil. Many are already making significant contributions to regional security: Jordanian pilots are crucial partners against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Saudi Arabia and a regional coalition have taken strong action against Houthi militants in Yemen. The Lebanese Army is hunting ISIS operatives who try to infiltrate their territory. UAE troops are supporting our Afghan partners. In Mosul, American troops are supporting Kurds, Sunnis and Shias fighting together for their homeland. Qatar, which is said to host the U.S. Central Command, is a crucial strategic partner," the US president said.

 "Our longstanding partnership with Kuwait and Bahrain continue to enhance security in the region. And courageous Afghan soldiers are making tremendous sacrifices in the fight against the Taliban, and others, in the fight for their country. As we deny terrorist organizations control of territory and populations, we must also strip them of their access to funds. We must cut off the financial channels that let ISIS sell oil and help terrorists smuggle their reinforcements," President Trump said.

 "I am proud to announce that the nations here today will be signing an agreement to dry up the financial sources of terrorism, and there will be a global ceter for confronting extremism under the chairmanship of the United States and it will be shared by all as the Gulf Cooperation Council member countries will join it," Trump said.

 "I also applaud the Gulf Cooperation Council for blocking funders from using their countries as a financial base for terror, and designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization last year. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also joined us this week in placing sanctions on one of the most senior leaders of Hezbollah. Of course, there is still much work to do," he added.

The US President hailed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as an important and encouraging and ambitious statement and economic development.

 "The United Arab Emirates has also engaged in the battle for attracting hearts and souls through launching a center to counter the online spread of hatered. Bahrain too is working to undermine recruitment and radicalism. I also applaud Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon for their role in hosting refugees," he said.

 "Numerous Islamic scholars have eloquently argued that protecting equality strengthens Arab and Muslim communities. For many centuries, the Middle East has been home to Muslims, Christians and Jews living side-by-side. We must practice tolerance and respect for each other once again," he said.

 "After concluding my visit in Riyadh, I will travel to Al-Quds and Bethlehem, and then to the Vatican. I will be meeting with both Israeli Prime Minister and Palestinian President.

 "Iran funds, arms, and trains terrorists, militias, and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region. For decades, Iran has fueled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror," he said, pointing out that the committed crimes in Syria are supported by Iran.

 "The United States has taken firm action in response to the use of banned chemical weapons by the Assad Regime, launching 59 tomahawk missiles at the Syrian air base from where that murderous attack originated. Responsible nations must work together to end the humanitarian crisis in Syria, eradicate ISIS, and restore stability to the region. The Iranian regime’s longest-suffering victims are its own people. Iran has a rich history and culture, but the people of Iran have endured hardship and despair under their leaders’ reckless pursuit of conflict and terror," he said.

 President Donald Trump of the United States thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of this historic summit.

Then, Jordan's King Abdullah II delivered a speech in which he said: "Let me start by thanking my brother, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its hospitality and graciously hosting this summit.

 Allow me to express my gratitude for taking this step to reach out to Muslim nations, and making it a priority on your first foreign tour as President of the United States.

 We meet today to advance an effective response to the serious threats facing our world. The future for all of us will be shaped by the actions we take now, and we all have to work in partnership in four key areas. Let me say a brief word about each:

 First and foremost, is the grave challenge of terrorism and extremism. Only a holistic approach can address the complex layers of the threat, from its evil ideas to its attack on prosperity and security. As you have mentioned, this demands coordinated and global action at every level.

 Success requires our mutual trust as well as our strength. The fight will not be won if we do not recognize our friends as our friends and our enemies as our enemies.

 Terrorist groups employ a false religious identity. Their aim is to mislead and polarize our societies and peoples. Let us state here, clearly: Terrorist groups do not inhabit the fringes of Islam-they are altogether outside Islam; they are khawarej, outlaws of Islam. Arabs and Muslims make up the majority of their victims.

 Intolerance and ignorance will only aid terror groups. It is vital to help everyone, everywhere, understand this.

 A second and equally vital challenge is a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian cause, based on the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative. This can bring an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and guarantees peace for all-Israelis, Arabs, and Muslims.

 No injustice has spread more bitter fruit than the absence of a Palestinian state. This is the core issue for our region, and it has driven radicalism and instability beyond our region and into the Muslim world.

 The international community has a direct interest in a just peace. The Arab and Muslim world has offered its full support for effective negotiations.

 Here, I would like to thank you, President Trump, for your determination to work towards bringing a settlement to this festering conflict.

 Third, safeguarding Jerusalem must be a priority. The Holy City is a strategic linchpin, vital to relationships amongst the three monotheistic faiths. Attempts to create new negotiating facts on the ground would have a catastrophic impact.

 A fourth critical task is to sharpen public focus on the values that will protect and enrich humanity's future: mutual respect, compassion, and acceptance. In the Muslim world, the voice of traditional, moderate Islam has been stronger in recent years. We need to continue to build on that.

 There are nearly two billion Muslim men and women today, who enrich our world with their kindness, generosity, justice, civic family duty, and faith. Their lives express Islam's teachings on acceptance, humility before God, compassion, and peaceful co-existence."

Then, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi delivered a speech in which he stressed that the threat of terrorism poses a grave threat to the peoples of the whole world and that eradicating it from its roots requires, along with military and security measures, a comprehensive approach that includes political, ideological and developmental dimensions.

 President Al-Sisi also said: "You all know that Egypt is waging a daily war against the terrorist organizations in North Sinai. We are making continuous victories and steady progress. Our battle is part of the global war against terrorism and we are committed to defeating terrorist organizations.

 Then, Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah delivered a speech in which he noted that the meeting was a testament to the Islamic world's eagerness to stave off the growing threat of terrorism, which has marred the sacrosanct image of the Islamic faith.

 The Emir pointed out that the summit takes place amid a trying time for the region and will help exonerate Islamic nations from accusations of sponsoring terrorism. He also said that the summit represents a genuine opportunity for Islamic nations to work closely with the US in efforts to exterminate the scourge of terrorism, which in turn, leads to positive ripple effects.

 The Emir noted that the summit could prove to be a launchpad for productive cooperation between the US and Islamic nations, which will ultimately lead to the defeat of terrorism. He highlighted the Summit as a vociferous message of determination and strength, saying that efforts to fight extremism will remain firm and unyielding.

 The Emir said that he was hopeful the monumental meeting would address common concerns, chief among them is to have lasting peace in the Middle East.

Then, the Indonesian President addressed the summit saying that the summit sent a strong message for partnership, emanated from the Islamic world to the United States, in order to eliminate all misconception of the Americans towards some Islamic states, confirming that the summit consolidated a platform to eradicate terrorism and establish a peace and tolerance-based culture, all over the world.

 For his part, the Malaysian Prime Minister Najeeb Abdulrazzaq expressed gratitude and appreciation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for taking such a historical initiative, to hold the summit. He, similarly, thanked the US President for willingness to build a new partnership with Islamic world, to combat extremism and terrorism.

The Saudi official delegation comprises Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior; Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense; Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to the United States of America; Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh; Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban; and Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir.