In the speech, which was read on Saudi TV by Minister of Culture and Information Iyad Madani, King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan emphasized that the Islamic heritage is one of tolerance and open-mindedness, as evidenced by Muslim civilization at its peak.
King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan called on Al-Qaeda militants to repent, saying they hoped that the tiny minority of deviants would wake up before it is too late and realize that Saudi Arabia is a country that is genuinely Muslim in character, law and its vision for the future. They also said a prayer for those who lost their lives protecting Saudi Arabia from such extremism.
The two leaders said that Saudi Arabia is a blessed nation, and that Saudis are blessed to be living in a Muslim country whose prime responsibility is the service of the two holy mosques.