Welcome and Introduction:
Jean-Claude Cousson, President of the International Diplomatic Academy, welcomed the audience to the event, held in a magnificent venue provided by the Economic, Social and Environmental Council of the Republic. Cousson expressed the honor of hosting His Royal Highness Prince Turki El-Feysal of Saudi Arabia as a speaker at the Academy’s tribunes.

Exceptional Career of Prince Turki El-Feysal:
Cousson highlighted the remarkable career of Prince Turki El-Feysal, including his service as a counselor to the King at a young age, Director General of Saudi security services, and Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United Kingdom and the United States. He praised the Prince’s ability to navigate complex situations with skill and competence.

Contributions to Education and Research:
Cousson acknowledged Prince Turki El-Feysal’s role as a founder and administrator of the King Faisal Foundation and President of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies. He emphasized the Prince’s significant contributions to peace, analysis, and strategic studies in a crucial region of the world.

International Experience and Expertise:
Cousson recognized Prince Turki El-Feysal as an eminent professor invited to Georgetown University and a regular participant in debates at the World Economic Forum. He described the Prince as one of the most qualified individuals to discuss the policies and strategic options of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a strong and just vision.

Audience Interaction and Reception:
Cousson conveyed the audience’s appreciation for Prince Turki El-Feysal’s analysis and reflections. He announced that the Prince’s speech would be followed by a Q&A session with the audience and a reception.

Prince Turki El-Feysal’s Response:
Prince Turki El-Feysal began his speech with a humorous reference to an old Arabic poem and expressed hope that his French language skills would not warrant punishment. He thanked the International Diplomatic Academy, its Director General, and the Saudi Arabian Ambassador for inviting him to speak.

National Identity:
Saudi Arabia is a nation-state that evolves steadily, playing a vital role in contemporary geopolitics. The Muslim religion is at the core of Saudi national identity and will remain so indefinitely. Islam is the soul and spiritual principle of the Saudi nation.

Regional Power:
Saudi Arabia is a regional power that often stands alone in protecting Arab and Muslim states from destabilization. The country actively works against terrorist and anti-state groups.

Global Welfare:
Saudi Arabia is a source of welfare for the world, a holy land, and a philanthropic kingdom. The nation is not responsible for destabilizing nations or shaking the world.

Islam’s Influence on Arab Societies:
Islam is the foundation of political systems in Arab countries, shaping their history, society, and culture. Michel Aflaq, a Syrian thinker, emphasized Islam’s significance as an integral part of Arab civilization, revealed to an Arab prophet in the Arabic language. Arab consciousness, regardless of religious affiliation, is deeply rooted in Islam, serving as the soul of Arab societies.

Inter-religious Dialogue and the King Abdullah Center:
Saudi Arabia promotes inter-religious dialogue on the international stage. King Abdullah proposed the creation of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Centre for Inter-religious and Inter-cultural Dialogue to foster mutual understanding, cooperation, and respect among different faiths. The center, based in Vienna, includes representatives from various religions and cultural organizations, working towards justice, peace, and preservation of Christian presence in the East.

Saudi Arabia’s Humanitarian Aid and Solidarity:
Saudi Arabia is a generous donor in international development, dedicating a significant portion of its GDP to aid. Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, encourages charity and donation campaigns among citizens. The kingdom actively supports rehabilitation programs for radicalized individuals.

Re-Islamization Program for Former Extremists:
The Mohammed bin Nayef Centre in Riyadh provides a de-radicalization or re-Islamization program for former extremists. The program offers education and guidance by respected Saudi ulemas, who work to counter terrorist interpretations of religious texts. Former participants share their experiences to help newcomers transition back to a peaceful and pluralist mindset. The program addresses political, psychological, religious, and socio-economic factors contributing to radicalization.

Religious and Political Landscape in Saudi Arabia:
Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia, as stated in the fundamental law of the Kingdom. The kingdom follows the Salaf as-Saleh, the pious predecessors of the Prophet Muhammad, including the four Sunni jurists. Shiite citizens of Saudi Arabia are allowed to practice their own Shiite sect. Saudi Arabia’s political system is more Orleanist than legitimist, with three municipal elections held in the country.

Historical Context:
Saudi society has undergone significant evolution, transitioning from Bedouin tribes and Ottoman influence to a unified nation-state with a single citizenry. The evolution of Saudi society is comparable to that of Morocco, Egypt, and France, particularly in relation to post-colonial states in the Levant.

Shura: Governance by Consensus:
The rights and responsibilities of the state and citizens in Saudi Arabia are based on the Islamic concept of shura, or consultation, emphasizing governance by consensus.

Municipal Elections and Women’s Suffrage:
Municipal elections in the 21st century are the result of over a century of institutional evolution in Saudi interior policy. The municipal elections of 2005, 2011, and 2015 reflect the natural evolution of Saudi society, similar to the gradual democratization of France. In 2015, Saudi women and young Saudis over the age of 18 were granted the right to vote in municipal elections.

Parliamentary Reforms:
The reform of the Saudi Parliament in 2011, known as the Consultative Council, mandated that at least 20% of the deputies be women, making it unique in the Arab-Muslim world.

Centralization and Reforms:
Political reforms in Saudi Arabia are aligned with the process of centralization of the country. Reforms aim to respond to the expansion of infrastructure, population growth, economic prosperity, and the changing needs of Saudi citizens.

Saudi Arabia’s Regional Policy:
Saudi Arabia emerged as a protector of Arab regimes and people after the Arab Revolts of 2010-2011. Saudi Arabia supports Arab governments that ensure citizens’ dignity, national security, and economic prosperity. Saudi Arabia supports legitimate governments against rebels and sectarian militias. Saudi Arabia supports the Palestinian people and government and provides financial aid to Palestine.

Saudi Arabia’s Humanitarian Aid:
Saudi Arabia is a major contributor to humanitarian operations under the United Nations. Saudi aid is not limited to Muslim populations but has also been provided to victims of natural disasters worldwide. Saudi Arabia provided billions of dollars in aid to Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Yemen.

Saudi Arabia’s Image and Reality:
Some experts and media portray Saudi Arabia as a barbaric, medieval, Wahhabi kingdom. This image is inaccurate and ignores Saudi Arabia’s complex reality. Saudi Arabia is a constitutional system inspired by Islamic law and citizen consensus. Saudi Arabia’s destiny lies in the hands of its people, not third parties.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Fighting Radicalization and Terrorism:
Saudi Arabia is a key partner in the fight against radicalization and terrorism. Saudis have been victims of terrorism, including the Paris attacks and attacks on Shiite mosques in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is committed to working with the international community to combat terrorism.

Saudi Arabia’s Openness to Understanding:
Prince Turki El-Feysal encouraged listeners to open their hearts to Saudi Arabia and understand its complexity. He emphasized the importance of tolerance and understanding for different cultures and ways of life.

Iran’s Destabilizing Actions:
President Rouhani’s calls for improved relations with Saudi Arabia are contradicted by his government’s actions, including supporting insurrection in Yemen, Kuwait, and Bahrain, and direct military intervention in Syria.

Questions about Iran’s Leadership:
It is unclear who holds the real power in Iran, as President Rouhani’s actions and statements often conflict with those of Ayatollah Khamenei and the IRGC.

Kazan as a Model of Coexistence:
The speaker asks if Kazan, Russia, with its Orthodox church, Kremlin, and mosque, could serve as a model of coexistence.

China and India as Potential Partners:
China and India have the potential to become major consumers of Saudi oil, and developing relations with these countries could diversify Saudi Arabia’s partnerships beyond its traditional allies.

Russia’s Unique Model of Coexistence:
Turki El-Feysal describes Russia’s societal harmony as a unique woven carpet resulting from historical circumstances and diverse population. He recalls a lunch with Jewish host Yevgeny Primakov in a refurbished church, highlighting Russia’s peaceful coexistence of different faiths.

Saudi Arabia’s Engagement with China:
Engagement with China grew after the fall of the Berlin Wall, with Saudi Arabia becoming a major oil supplier. Economic relations have flourished, leading to billions of dollars in trade. China’s peaceful and friendly approach towards Saudi Arabia and other regional countries was noted. President Xi’s visit to Saudi Arabia reinforced business and economic ties. Saudi Arabia’s educational program sends thousands of students to study in China to deepen understanding between the countries.

Munasaha Program for Rehabilitation:
The Munasaha program aims to rehabilitate individuals involved in extremist interpretations of Islam or similar activities. It consists of three phases: psychological assessment, religious counseling, and reintegration with families. The program seeks to address the social isolation often employed by extremist groups and reintroduce individuals into society. Successful participants are released to their families and supported in finding jobs or marriage.

Saudi Arabia’s Decision Not to Join the UN Security Council:
Saudi Arabia’s decision stemmed from concerns about the politicization of the Security Council. The Kingdom felt that the Council had failed to effectively address issues like the Palestinian occupation and the Syrian crisis. Joining the Security Council would have been hypocritical given the disregard for the welfare of people in these conflicts.

Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Control Financing of Extremism:
Since the September 11th attacks, Saudi Arabia has taken steps to control the flow of money to Islamist movements. NGOs and charitable organizations are monitored to prevent funding of extremist groups.

Saudi Arabia-Israel Relations in Light of the Iranian Nuclear Issue:
A rapprochement between Gulf states and Israel has been observed in recent years due to shared concerns about the Iranian nuclear program. The potential for upgraded relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel depends on the resolution of the Palestinian issue.

Saudi Arabia’s Financial Oversight and Action against Terrorist Funding:
Saudi Arabia collaborated with the United Kingdom, United States, and potentially France to investigate and prevent the flow of funds to terrorist organizations, including al-Qaeda. The kingdom has taken concrete steps through the United Nations and bilateral agreements to stop money transfers to suspicious or malign groups. Saudi Arabia takes swift action based on evidence, such as names, bank accounts, or addresses linked to terrorist financing.

Saudi Arabia’s Response to Allegations of Supporting Terrorism:
Allegations of Saudi sheikhs supplying money to terrorist groups often lack specific evidence or names. The kingdom and other Gulf states are staunch enemies of terrorist groups, and citizens involved in supporting these groups face imprisonment or even capital punishment.

Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Engagement with Israel:
Saudi Arabia will not engage with Israel until the Palestinian problem is resolved and Israel complies with UN Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. Only after Israel grants independence to Palestinians, as supported by the French National Assembly, can cooperation on issues like Iran or terrorism be considered.

Saudi Arabia’s Awareness of Muslim Persecution and Its Role as a Leader:
Saudi Arabia is aware of the persecution faced by Muslim communities worldwide and is taking action to address it. The kingdom has not taken enough initiative to play its natural role as a leader in the Arab-Muslim world.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in Leading the Arab and Islamic World:
Since its establishment in 1932, Saudi Arabia has sought to collaborate with other nations, particularly in the Arab world, to address regional issues. The Kingdom’s approach emphasizes joint efforts and partnerships rather than seeking sole leadership.

Kingdom’s Involvement in Regional Coalitions:
Saudi Arabia actively participates in coalitions of Arab and Muslim countries to address regional challenges, such as the ongoing situation in Yemen. The Kingdom provides significant support and resources to these coalitions but acts as an equal partner, not seeking dominance.

Initiatives to Counter Terrorism:
The Kingdom played a leading role in establishing a coalition of Islamic States aimed at countering terrorism. This initiative aims to bring Islamic nations together in a joint effort to combat terrorism, rather than asserting Saudi Arabia’s leadership.

Efforts in Resolving Regional Conflicts:
Saudi Arabia has been involved in mediation and peacemaking efforts in various regional conflicts, such as the Lebanese Civil War. The Kingdom has collaborated with other Arab nations to facilitate peaceful resolutions and bring stability to the region.

Support for Muslim Communities Worldwide:
Saudi Arabia provides assistance to Muslim communities around the world, addressing humanitarian, political, and other needs. Recent examples include support for Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and involvement in peace efforts in Central Africa.

Addressing Misconceptions about Wahhabism:
There is a campaign linking Saudi Arabia to extremist groups like ISIS through Wahhabism, an interpretation of Islam prevalent in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia acknowledges this campaign and seeks to clarify that Wahhabism is not the ideological root of extremist ideologies.

Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia’s approach to leadership in the Arab and Islamic world emphasizes collaboration, joint efforts, and support for regional initiatives. The Kingdom’s involvement in various coalitions, mediation efforts, and humanitarian assistance reflects its commitment to addressing regional challenges and promoting stability.

Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Wahhabism:
Prince Turki El-Feysal asserts that there is no such thing as Wahhabism practiced in Saudi Arabia. The nation does not subscribe to the presumed ideological tenets of this alleged sect.

Fahish and Al-Qaeda’s Target:
Saudi Arabia is the primary target of Fahish and Al-Qaeda, both in terms of terrorist acts and ideological attacks. Fahish’s YouTube broadcasts have a program dedicated to Saudi Arabia, declaring their intent to invade the country. Al-Qaeda has also expressed similar intentions.

Saudi Arabia’s Response:
Despite being the target of these groups, Saudi Arabia actively opposes them on various fronts. The nation engages in security measures, rehabilitation programs to address their ideology, and media and propaganda campaigns to counter their influence.

Addressing the Accusations:
Prince El-Feysal acknowledges the accusations of Saudi Arabia’s alleged role in promoting the ideology of these groups. He emphasizes the need for increased efforts to clarify their true stance on this issue. Saudi Arabia aims to actively promote its position through various channels.