RIYADH, 26 March 2006 — In a groundbreaking visit to the Imam Muhammad ibn Saud University here yesterday, Prince Charles called for unity between the Abrahamic religions and respect for each other’s beliefs and reflected on a modern interpretation of Islamic texts.

Later, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, called on Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah at his palace.

In a measured, conversational style of speech at the university, Prince Charles highlighted the similarities among the “children of Abraham.” He said that much could be learned from the history of Islam that could be applied today.

“They understood that there is the art of interpretation of the sacred texts, between the meaning of God’s word for all time and its meaning for this time,” said the prince. “We need to recover the depth, the subtlety, the generosity of imagination, the respect for wisdom that so marked Islam in its great ages.”

His audience included government ministers and scholars and teachers including Higher Education Minister Khaled Al-Anqari, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh and Justice Minister Abdullah Al-Asheikh.

Quoting a verse from the Qur’an, Prince Charles noted that there were differences between religions, but they should be celebrated. In the things that mattered, he said, there was a common root. “God’s purpose should never be in doubt, it is to bind us closer together,” he said.

He suggested that the recent strife over the Danish cartoons showed the danger that came from the failure to listen and respect what is precious and sacred to others. Working together for a better future was the real challenge.

“Surely in the face of impending and catastrophic world environmental crisis we should be united together on behalf of God’s creation and the future of our sons rather than arguing about distractions and doing terrible harm to one another,” he said.

In a ceremony conducted at the grounds of the National Museum, Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary -general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, presented an award to Prince Charles for his interest and active promotion of the preservation of architectural heritage.

Accepting the award, Prince Charles said that he had been a minority voice when he began publicly raising concerns about the disappearance of architectural heritage. He pointed out that what was then eccentric is now mainstream as people came to realize the value of preserving their history.

He thought that the two could work in concert and inform the planning of new towns and cities to make them more livable and of a human scale. The proof of that, he joked, was that the architects who plan the modern urban architecture frequently live in protected country areas of great natural beauty.

The tour concludes in Riyadh today with visits to a technical training college and the Multinational School of Riyadh, which hosts over 700 students — many with special educational needs — of 30 nationalities.