(WASHINGTON, DC) - On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy ‎Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, held the annual ‎reception ceremony yesterday in Mina for Islamic leaders, heads of Hajj missions and guests of King Abdullah. Prince Salman delivered a speech on behalf of King Abdullah, who vowed that Saudi Arabia will continue its relentless efforts in fighting terrorism and extremism.

“We shall not rest until we eradicate them [terrorism and extremism] and the misguided sect that has used Islam as a bridge to achieve its personal interests and has unlawfully stigmatized the beauty of Islam with their misleading thoughts,” said King Abdullah. 

King Abdullah stressed the need for dialogue in combatting extremism and promoting world peace. He stated, “Engaging in dialogue is the only way to live in a harmonious world with each other. Dialogue will eventually prevent bloodshed and avoid disunity, ignorance and extremism.”

King Abdullah emphasized the importance Islamic teachings and values that urge Muslims to live in peace with other sects and faith-based communities. King Abdullah also called on religious leaders to “present role models for the youth by showing them the appropriate way to engage in dialogue and interactivity” and “show the Muslims the tolerance and moderation of the Islamic religion.” 

King Abdullah has taken a leading role in promoting dialogue among the world’s leading faiths. In 2011, the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue was founded in Vienna to promote mutual understanding among followers of different religions and cultures around the world.