Jeddah, January 16, 2025 – Today, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, warmly welcomed Dato' Muhammad Naeem bin Mukhtar, the Malaysian Minister of Religious Affairs, along with his accompanying delegation. The meeting, held in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, focused on strengthening the longstanding relationship between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in the field of Islamic affairs.
During the discussions, Minister Al Alsheikh emphasized the robust ties between the two nations, highlighting the fruitful outcomes of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. This MoU, which has been a cornerstone of the two countries’ cooperation, has facilitated various initiatives aimed at promoting the moderate Islamic approach that both nations advocate. The Saudi minister elaborated on the Kingdom's ongoing efforts under the Ministry’s guidance to propagate an approach to Islam that is deeply rooted in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). His remarks underscored the importance of fostering a balanced, tolerant, and respectful interpretation of Islam that aligns with the values of peace and coexistence.
Dato' Muhammad Naeem bin Mukhtar, in turn, expressed deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia's significant contributions to the service of Islam and Muslims, particularly the support extended to pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. He specifically praised the initiatives outlined in the MoU, noting that programs like the Quranic competitions, Quranic education programs, and visits by the imams of the Two Holy Mosques have had a profound impact on the spiritual lives of Muslims in Malaysia. These initiatives, he said, have not only contributed to enhancing the religious education of Malaysian Muslims but also fostered a deeper connection with the sacred traditions of Islam, benefiting the wider Muslim community.
The two ministers reiterated their mutual commitment to strengthening their cooperation in Islamic affairs. Both underscored the importance of fostering mutual understanding and promoting shared Islamic values between the two countries. They also expressed their desire to continue building on the successes of the MoU to enhance the exchange of religious knowledge, facilitate interfaith dialogue, and contribute to the development of Islam in both Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
The discussions also focused on future collaborative efforts, with both parties agreeing to continue supporting initiatives that promote Islamic unity, tolerance, and moderation at a global level. As both Saudi Arabia and Malaysia play pivotal roles in the Muslim world, their ongoing partnership is expected to remain a beacon of Islamic cooperation, setting an example for other nations in addressing contemporary challenges facing the Muslim community worldwide.
