WASHINGTON, 9 February — The Saudi delegation that took part in the recently concluded World Economic Forum in New York was instrumental in correcting some of the misinformation put across by the US media on Saudi Arabia and Islam following the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington.
This was stated by Prince Abdullah ibn Faisal, governor of the General Investment Authority, a member of the delegation led by Prince Nawaf, director of intelligence. "The participation of the Saudi delegation in the forum was very effective," he added.
Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, he said that the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon had affected American public opinion regarding Islam.
"So the meetings of the delegation on the sidelines of the forum were a good opportunity to give a more realistic image of the Kingdom," he added.
"It is the duty of every Saudi to give an accurate representation of Islam and his society and try to win the hearts of others through good deeds," the GIA chief said.
Meanwhile, the Arab-American Chamber held a reception here Thursday night for the Saudi delegation, which included Prince Abdullah ibn Faisal, Prince Faisal ibn Salman, and a number of Shoura members and university professors.
The function was attended by several American officials, former US and Canadian ambassadors to Riyadh, and leaders of Arab and Islamic organizations in the US.
"Most US officials met by the Saudi delegation have said that the anti-Saudi smear campaign launched by the US media did not reflect the views of most American decision-makers," Prince Faisal ibn Salman commented. He emphasized the importance of strengthening contacts with officials in other countries.
