“I am happy to be here in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, which is a sacred place for Muslims living in all parts of the world,” Kinsella said in his speech to the members of the Shoura Council.

Kinsella said he had come from a country whose people belong to many cultures and civilizations and who respect the values of the Islamic faith.

He commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his efforts to establish peace, security and prosperity among people in the global village. He indicated that the initiative for a cultural dialogue among peoples of different faiths and cultures would bring them closer with one another based on a common understanding.

In his welcome address, Al-Asheikh outlined the excellent relations between Canada and the Kingdom in political, economic, cultural and educational areas.

He pointed out that there is tremendous progress in bilateral ties since the relationship has been built on mutual trust and confidence. He also spelled out the predominant role played by the Kingdom under the leadership of King Abdullah on regional and international issues and its relationship with the governments and peoples of friendly countries such as Canada.

The two parties discussed matters of mutual interests regarding parliamentary procedures, ways of expanding parliamentary cooperation, strengthening the areas of political, economic and social cooperation between the two countries. They also reviewed the bilateral relations between Canada and the Kingdom in the field of agriculture, education, infrastructure development, investment and exchange of educational experience and students. After touring the Shoura, the visiting team was hosted at a luncheon at the council’s banquet hall.