JEDDAH, 22 August 2005 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday received the country’s top education officials — including women — and reminded them of their great responsibility in bringing up present and future generations. He also called for shunning extremism.
“You have to shoulder your responsibility earnestly and seriously,” he said while receiving the officials led by Education Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Obeid at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.
“Don’t forget that God is watching you and don’t be negligent in your duties,” he told the officials and wished them all the best.
King Abdullah promised the officials that he would hold an extensive meeting with them later. “I have so many things in my mind to share with you and wanted an exclusive meeting between you and me to reach an understanding,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the king as saying.
King Abdullah received women officials of the ministry, including Princess Al-Jowhara bint Fahd, assistant undersecretary of girls’ colleges, separately and expressed his happiness over the educational excellence of Saudi women and taking up of jobs by Saudi women replacing their foreign counterparts. He also urged the women officials to make greater efforts to further improve educational levels of Saudi girls.
“Ours is a moderate religion based on the Qur’an and Sunnah and we have to shun extremism,” the king stressed and referred to the Kingdom’s campaign to crush Al-Qaeda militants blamed for a series of terrorist attacks in the country.
King Abdullah had an open dialogue with the women officials on topics concerning women.
Earlier, Princess Al-Jowhara pledged allegiance of her staff to the king and said: “We are looking forward to a bright future under your leadership, making more progress and achievements.”
Also yesterday, King Abdullah received a number of foreign dignitaries, including former Bangladesh President Hussein Mohammed Ershad, who expressed their condolences over the death of King Fahd as well as tribal leaders who came to pledge their allegiance.
