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17:30 GMT
By Usama Al-Wadee' RIYADH, Sept 18 (KUNA) -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is determined to maintain its leading role for charitable activities at the global level in line with principles of Islam and the Saudi people customs and traditions, leading figures say.
Abdul Rahman Al-Juraisi, Board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh, said in an interview with KUNA, on the occasion of the issuance of the royal decree for establishing King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Works in the Kingdom, that this move depicted the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on promoting humanitarian works, principles of tolerance, peace, cooperation and compassion among nations of the globe.
According to the decree, the newly-founded authority would contribute to philanthropic activities, intended to serve the religion, the homeland, the nation and the whole mankind. It is also aimed at spreading tolerance, peace and welfare for the nations, in addition to the development of sciences.
Elaborating in the exclusive interview with KUNA, Al-Juraisi said the objectives of the new foundation reflected the great role of the kingdom throughout history for the service of the human race in all corners of the world, indicating at a long chain of humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives, launched during the era of King Abdullah, for the service of mankind, namely the valuable assistance offered to peoples affected by catastrophes.
Establishment of this foundation constitutes true extension of the humanitarian message of the kingdom, originating in the values of Islam that calls on the followers of the heavenly religion to aid the needy, Al-Juraisi said, also noting that this step came in harmony with the values, traditions and customs of the Saudi people that advocate social equality and solidarity.
This international initiative will be effective at the level of humanitarian services, supporting philanthropic activities and helping those in need, the eminent Saudi figure said, noting that such aid has become of high necessity, particularly nowadays, where the world has been witnessing recurrent natural disasters of massive destructive impact.
For his part, Abdullah Al-Muqairen, te supervisor of the society service at the chamber, said the launch of the foundation emanated from the king keenness on promoting humanitarian activities worldwide without discrimination or restrictions by geographic boundaries.
This initiative will bolster further status of the king as a mastermind of humanitarian services on the global stage and will help in organizing charities worldwide, he added. (end) od.rk KUNA 182030 Sep 10NNNN