RIYADH, Feb 10 (KUNA) -- The US Central Intelligence Agency has awarded Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Mohammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz its prestigious "George J. Tenet Medal" for excellent intelligence performance.
The medal, handed over Friday to Prince Mohammad by the Director of the visiting CIA Mike Pompeo, is also in recognition of his contributions to the fight against terrorism and to the efforts to ensure world security and peace.
In a press statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), following the reception, the Crown Prince expressed appreciation of the CIA for bestowing on him such a grace.
He stressed that this medal is a fruit of endeavors and instructions of the leaders of the kingdom, notably King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, bravery of security men and cooperation of all walks of the community to combat terrorism.
The Crown Prince said that all heavenly revealed religions disclaim satanic creeds and deeds of these terrorist outfits, pointing out that all passive religious, political or social views that exploit religion as a tool, through history, have, absolutely, proven to have no relation with the core of religion, which they allegedly, associate themselves with.
Commenting on the Kingdom role in combating terrorism, he reiterated the Kingdom's rejection and condemnation of the phenomenon in all forms and manifestations.
He added that the Kingdom will continue to combat terrorism and extremism, everywhere, security-wise as well as intellectually.
He noted that due to the efforts exerted by the Kingdom, a lot of terrorist related plans have busted, proactively, including some operations which was targeting other friendly nations, a fact that contributed to limiting the casualties.
Combating terrorism is an international obligation which requires joint world action, at all levels, to confront it, security-wise, intellectually, media-wise and militarily, drawing attention that such a cooperation shall be in accordance with the rules of international law and the founding principles of the UN, ahead of which is equality of sovereignty, he stated.
Replying a question on the current relation between the Kingdom and the US, the Crown Prince announced that the Saudi-US relations are historically and strategically based, and that no attempt will succeed, in driving a wedge, between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US.
On measures taken by the Kingdom to proactively foil any terrorist-like attempt, the Crown Prince declared that "we are surrounded by conflict hotbeds, henceforth, we are the first to feel the brunt of terrorism, from various sources, however, we have vowed to prepare ourselves to combat it, anywhere, by all means and in any circumstance." During the reception, the Crown Prince and the US official also discussed a number of mutual issues of common interest and means to promote them, especially those related to counter terrorism. (end) rj.ibi