January 2002

January 22, 2002

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the co-chairs of the Tokyo International Ministerial Conference on Afghan Aid, has pledged $220 million for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

This contribution, one of the largest pledged, reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to the rebuilding of Afghanistan and the well being of its people.

This contribution is consistent with the Kingdom’s commitment to the Afghan people and it comes on the heels of large-scale donations of food, medicine and clothing that has helped alleviate the suffering of the innocent victims in Afghanistan.

January 15, 2002

The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington DC today issued the following press release in which Ambassador to the United States Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz responds to the recent statement by U.S. Senator Levin.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prohibits the teaching of hatred and violence. Charges that Saudis fund schools that do so are baseless and lack an understanding of our society, culture and laws.

January 11, 2002

As a result of the inaccuracies and misinformation surrounding the Ajyad Fort in Makkah, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia would like to clarify this matter.

It is the policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as custodian of the of the two holy mosques, to ensure that pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque, the holiest site in Islam, can perform their religious obligations in the safest and most comfortable manner possible. As a result, the infrastructure of the Grand Mosque and the areas surrounding it, are continuously developed and upgraded.