FAITH is an important element in American history and culture. Many of the people who settled in the United States did so in search of religious freedom and to escape persecution. Religious freedom and tolerance are as important today as they were at America's founding. In 1790, George Washington wrote that the United States would give “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” Our people firmly believe that freedom of religion is a universal right. It is a right, in fact, that is enshrined in the US Constitution. Of course, throughout American history we have faced our own struggles dividing one group from another; such issues are not unique to America, but rather challenges for all humanity. Though it is a constant challenge for any nation to maintain peace and harmony among its diverse groups, we are proud that American Muslims can live and practice their religion freely, just like the adherents of the many other religions and beliefs in America. Today, we find ourselves in the midst of an important spiritual season, the annual Haj where millions of Muslims come from every part of the globe to the Kingdom to perform an essential pillar of their faith. This event is an important part of the Muslim faith that is shared by people around the world, including millions of Americans. We deeply appreciate the great efforts, meticulously detailed planning and large investments the Saudi government has dedicated to organizing the annual pilgrimage, the largest annual human gathering in the world. This speaks volumes about the seriousness with which Saudi authorities treat this season and their genuine desire to make performing the Haj safe, orderly and enjoyable for those who will participate. Indeed, one part of the strong Saudi-American relationship involves the thousands of American Muslims who travel every year to Saudi Arabia to participate in Haj. On behalf of the US Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, let me express our deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, his government and the Saudi people for warmly welcoming my fellow citizens, every year, to perform the Haj. In addition to being an essential pillar of the Muslim faith, the Haj is an important unifying act, bringing together Muslims from diverse cultures and countries. Like Haj, dialogue also brings people together. King Abdullah has undertaken a number of important initiatives to provide opportunities for dialogue among the people of Saudi Arabia, among Muslims, and among members of different faith communities around the world. I commend him for taking these historic steps that can help shape a better future for us all. The King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue in Riyadh and the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue in Vienna are two examples of these efforts. The National Dialogue Center organizes yearly events and regional workshops that allow the full diversity of the Kingdom to be part of one conversation. These dialogues usefully promote mutual understanding and tolerance across regional, cultural and generational divides. The founding principles of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue in Vienna are to be commended for citing principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. I am optimistic about a future where people of every faith, culture and background will be able to co-exist in an environment of tolerance and mutual respect. I thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his valuable contributions toward that shared goal, and wish him the greatest success with these initiatives. On this occasion, I would like to wish the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi government and the Saudi people Eid Mubarak and hope that the Kingdom will continue in the years ahead to enjoy the blessing of peace and prosperity.
— James B. Smith is the US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
