Riyadh – In an unprecedented move by the progressive Saudi Crown Prince – Mohammed bin Salman – invited a delegation of American Christian leaders to his palace on Thursday, as Koran described Christians dearest to Muslims.
The Christian delegation led by communications strategist – Joel Rosenberg and former U.S. congresswoman – Michele Bachmann, as well as heads of American evangelical organizations, paid visit to Saudi Arabia as a part of regional tour.
Saudi Ambassador to United States – Prince Khalid bin Salman, Secretary General of the Muslim World League – Dr. Mohammed al-Isa, and Saudi Foreign Minister – Adel al-Jubeir, were part of the meeting.
According to the Saudi Embassy in United States, the meeting was to affirm the importance of undertaking joint efforts to promote coexistence and religious tolerance, and combat extremism and terrorism.
“It was a historic moment for the Saudi Crown Prince to openly welcome Evangelical Christian leaders to the Palace. We were encouraged by the candor of the two-hour conversation with him today,” the statement said.
Saudi Arabia, UAE and other gulf nations do not repress followers of other religions and they are free to practice their faith, however proselytizing any other faith than Islam is strictly prohibited.
