Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior received George J. Tenet, 1996-2004 Medal, which the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) awarded to him, for excellent intelligence performance, in the domain of counter-terrorism and his unbound contribution to realize world security and peace.

During a reception held in Riyadh Friday night, the medal was handed over to him by the Director of the CIA Mike Pompeo, who was on a visit to the Kingdom, in the presence of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense.

In a press statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), following the reception, the Crown Prince expressed appreciation of the CIA for bestowing on him such a grace, laying assertion that this medal is a fruit of endeavors and instructions of the leaders of the kingdom, notably the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, bravery of security men and cooperation of all walks of the community to combat terrorism.

On linking terrorism to a particular religion, the Crown Prince said that all heavenly revealed religions disclaim satanic creeds and deeds of these terrorist outfits, pointing out that all passive religious, political or social views that exploit religion as a device, through history, have, absolutely, proven to have no relation with the core of religion, which they allegedly, associate themselves with.

Commenting on the Kingdom’ role in combating terrorism, the Crown Prince stated the total rejection of the Kingdom of terrorism, reiterating condemning the phenomenon in all forms and manifestations, come what may are its source or goals, adding that the Kingdom will continue to combat terrorism and extremism, everywhere, security-wise as well as intellectually and explaining that God grace and due to the efforts exerted by the Kingdom, a lot of terrorist related plans have busted, proactively, including some operations which was targeting other friendly nations, a fact that contributed to limiting the casualties.

Combating terrorism is an international obligation which requires coming together of world endeavors, at all levels, to confront it, security-wise, intellectually, media-wise and militarily, drawing attention that such a cooperation shall be in accordance with the rules of international law and the founding principles of the UN, ahead of which is equality of sovereignty, he stated.

Replying a question on the current relation between the Kingdom and the US, the Crown Prince announced that our relations are historically and strategically based, and that no attempt will succeed, in driving a wedge, between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US.

On measurements taken by the Kingdom to proactively foil any terrorist-like attempt, the Crown Prince declared that we are surrounded by conflict hotbeds, henceforth, we are the first to feel the brunt of terrorism, from various sources, however, we have, a priori, vowed to prepare and arrange ourselves to combat it, anywhere, by all means and in any circumstance.

During the reception, the Crown Prince and the US official also discussed a number of mutual issues of common interest and means to promote them, in the security-wise domains, especially those related to counter terrorism.

The reception was attended by senior, civil and military, officials and the US Chargé d’Affaires to the Kingdom Christopher Hensel.