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21:59 GMT
RIYADH, March 12 (KUNA) -- Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz opened
Maaraz Al-Eiman exhibition Tuesday marking selection of Al-Madinah
Al-Munawwarah as capital of Islamic culture 2013.
Prince Salman, also Deputy Premier and Defense Minister, said in a speech
Saudi Arabia was honored to be servant of the two holy mosques in Makkah and
Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah since the late King Abdulaziz until the current King
Abdullah.
He said Saudi Arabia was the beginning of Islam and Arabism.
Saudi information minister Abdulaziz Khoja said Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah
was the residence of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and his supporters.
"The Islamic world should celebrate Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah as the Islamic
culture capital every year," he said.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, Secretary General of the Rabat-based Islamic
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), shed light on the
special role of the city of the Prophet in the spread of the divine mission of
Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
He also pointed to the care of Saudi kings, starting from late King
Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, up to
the current era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin
Abdulaziz.
Al-Tuwaijri said 31 Islamic capitals were going to host the annual event
over the period from 2015-2024. (end)
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KUNA 130059 Mar 13NNNN