Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Saudi Arabia, Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad, met with the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh. This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to improve and strengthen the strong and friendly ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The discussion focused mainly on Islamic affairs, and how both countries could work together more closely in this area.
Gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s Support
Ambassador Ajwad used the occasion to express his deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Islamic causes across the world, including in Sri Lanka. He said that the Kingdom has shown great commitment to promoting the true values of Islam, such as peace, tolerance, and moderation. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s leadership has always supported Muslim communities in times of need and played a global role in Islamic unity.
Promoting the Real Message of Islam
The ambassador stressed that Saudi Arabia is a strong voice in presenting the true and peaceful message of Islam to the world. He said that the Kingdom’s efforts show the real nature of Islam, which is based on mercy, balance, and cooperation. This is especially important today, when there are many wrong ideas and misunderstandings about Islam in some parts of the world. Ambassador Ajwad said that Saudi Arabia is helping to clear up those misunderstandings by leading with truth and kindness.
Praise for King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed
During the meeting, Ambassador Ajwad also sent his highest appreciation and thanks to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He praised their generous services to the people of Sri Lanka, especially in Islamic work and their efforts to support the Holy Qur’an. He said the people of Sri Lanka value this support very much, and it helps strengthen the brotherly relationship between the two countries.
Support for the Holy Qur’an in Sri Lanka
The ambassador was especially thankful for Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for the Holy Qur’an and its role in Qur’an education in Sri Lanka. He mentioned the importance of Qur’an competitions, printing and distribution of Qur’ans, and support for religious schools and teachers. These efforts help preserve Islamic knowledge among future generations in Sri Lanka and deepen the love for the Qur’an among young people.
Role of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs
Ambassador Ajwad gave special praise to the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, for its great work in promoting Islam’s peaceful message. He noted that the ministry’s awareness programs, training courses for imams and preachers, and global outreach activities have a strong impact. These efforts make sure that Islam is taught in a correct and balanced way. The ambassador also said the ministry plays a key role in spreading harmony and building bridges with Muslim communities around the world.
Religious and Cultural Cooperation
Both the ambassador and the minister agreed that cooperation in religious affairs is very important for the friendship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. They discussed possible joint programs, including religious training, Islamic events, student exchanges, and cooperative projects between Islamic institutions in both countries. They hope that these joint efforts will create more understanding and unity among Muslims and promote shared values and learning.
Saudi Arabia’s Global Islamic Leadership
Ambassador Ajwad said that Saudi Arabia has always been a leader in Islamic matters, not only in the Arab world but also in non-Arab Muslim countries like Sri Lanka. He noted that the Kingdom’s leadership in organizing international Islamic conferences, offering scholarships to Muslim students, and providing relief aid during disasters, shows its commitment to serving the global Muslim community. He said this leadership is respected worldwide, and Sri Lanka is proud to work with the Kingdom on such important matters.
Focus on Tolerance and Moderation
One of the key themes discussed during the meeting was the importance of promoting the values of tolerance and moderation. Ambassador Ajwad said that these values are central to Islam and very important in today’s world, where religious divisions and extremism are still serious problems. He praised Saudi Arabia for teaching these values through its religious and educational institutions, and for being an example of peaceful religious leadership.
The Importance of Dawah and Education
The ambassador also spoke about the importance of dawah (the call to Islam) and religious education. He said that both must be based on love, kindness, and truth. He thanked the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for helping Sri Lankan imams and preachers become more skilled in sharing Islamic knowledge in a peaceful and correct manner. He said that Saudi-trained religious scholars are doing a great job in helping Muslim communities live in harmony with others in Sri Lanka.
Role of Religion in Diplomacy
The meeting also showed how religion can be a strong tool in building good relationships between countries. By working together in religious and cultural areas, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka are building a partnership that goes beyond politics or economics. It is a partnership built on faith, values, and mutual respect. This kind of diplomacy helps build trust and friendship between peoples and nations.
A Strong and Growing Partnership
The meeting between Ambassador Ajwad and Minister Al Alsheikh showed that the relationship between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia is strong and getting even stronger. Both countries respect each other’s religious values and are working together to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding through Islamic teachings. The ambassador said he looks forward to more cooperation in the future, and he believes that this partnership will continue to benefit Muslims in both countries and set a good example for others around the world.
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