JEDDAH: Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation met on Tuesday to discuss the announcement by a Dutch politician of a competition for cartoons featuring Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Geert Wilders last month said that his right-wing Freedom Party — the leading opposition party in the Dutch parliament following the country’s general election in March — is organizing the contest to highlight the importance of freedom of speech.
During their meeting in Jeddah, Pakistani Ambassador Khan Hasham bin Saddique and OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousaf Al-Othaimeen condemned the competition and discussed ways to educate non-Muslims about the sensitivity of the issue and persuade the organizers to cancel the contest. Other matters of bilateral interest were also discussed.
The ambassador also met Islamic Development Bank (IDB) President Dr. Bandar Al-Hajjar to discuss its projects in Pakistan.
Dr. Al-Hajjar reiterated the bank’s full cooperation with Pakistan in all its work in the country.
Pakistani envoy, OIC chief condemn Dutch cartoon contest
Pakistani envoy, OIC chief condemn Dutch cartoon contest
- Discussed ways to educate non-Muslims about the sensitivity of the issue
- Khan Hasham bin Saddique also met IDB president to discuss projects in Pakistan
Saudi crown prince discusses regional situation with Ukrainian, Spanish leaders
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held phone calls with global leaders to discuss the regional escalation and its repercussion on global peace and security.
In his discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the crown prince was assured of Kyiv’s solidarity and support to measures the Kingdom was taking to protect its territory, SPA reported.
Zelensky also condemned Iran’s attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also expressed his country’s condemnation of the Iranian’s attacks on the Kingdom during his call with the crown prince.
Sanchez also emphasized his country’s rejection of any action that threatens Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty and affirmed Spain’s support for all measures to preserve it.
