ISSUE 52 DEC 2011
PAGE 2 SAUDI AUSTRALIA BULLETIN
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ing Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has topped a list of 500 most influential Muslim personalities in the world, for the third time in a row. The list was issued by the Royal Center for Islamic Research and Studies, in cooperation with Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at George Town University in the United States. Also Forbes Magazine recently listed the King as the sixth among 70 influential personalities in the world for his unique leadership qualities and his social, political and economic reforms. It praised his decision to grant women the right to be members in the Shoura Council, to vote and nominate themselves for municipal councils. Senior officials in Islamic organisations also praised King Abdullah for his work in supporting Islamic work and solving Muslim issues. “The Muslim nation respects King Abdullah as a sagacious political leader, a pioneer of inter-civilizations dialogue and advocate of fairness,” they said. They praised his work in initiating the interfaith dialogue, which has created a culture of moderation and tolerance. His balanced policies which support global peace and security have made the Kingdom an important partner in global decision-making process. “King Abdullah has a sharp vision and insight and is very keen on reinforcing solidarity between Muslim countries. He also supports the expectations and ambi-
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tions of the Muslim nation,” they added. The 500 Muslim personalities on the list have influenced events not only in the Arab world but across the globe. Therefore, their role is very important because the entire world shares mutual interests and the future of one nation is linked with that of others. As a result of the study, King Abdullah has been awarded an international certificate in recognition of the role he plays in global affairs. King Abdullah’s policies, which are based on tolerance, peace and dialogue, have great influence in the affairs of other nations, es“King Abdullah’s policies, which are pecially those that are based on tolerance, peace and troubled by internal difficulties. dialogue, have great influence in King Abdullah’s polithe affairs of other nations” cies have helped correct often-distorted dullah has earned the honor of benotions about Islam. ing named among the most influential The King has supported inter-faith diapeople in the world. Forbes Magazine logues to foster understanding and corecently listed him as sixth out of the existence among nations. 70 most influential personalities in the The Custodian of the Two Holy world. Mosques reinforces the value of mutual The magazine praised the King’s decision understanding and stability in Arab and to grant women the right to vote and run Muslim countries and supports projects for elected positions in municipal counaimed at spreading peace. These endeavcils and to be members of the Shoura ors are transparent and are clearly unCouncil. Senior officials in Islamic orderstood by the citizens themselves. ganizations have praised King Abdullah This is the second time that King Ab-
Dec 2011 Issue 52 Vol 6
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