The Council of Scholars of the Republic of Indonesia has granted Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh the Medal of Merit of the First Class for the most influential personality in the service of Islam and the spreading of its tolerance according to the approach of moderation. The Council grants for the first time in its history the medal to the minister in exchange for his scientific and call contributions and services. This came during a meeting between the Chairman of the Council of Scholars in the province of Bali Sheikh Mahrouson with Minister Dr. Al-Sheikh in the presence of Saudi Ambassador Issam Abid Al-Thaqafi, on the sidelines of the second ASEAN International Conference "Khair Ummah". The conference was organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, in cooperation with the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs in the Indonesian city of Bali. The Chairman of the Council of Scholars in Bali expressed his pride in presenting the Medal of the Council of Scholars of the Republic to the minister in appreciation and gratitude for the distinguished role being played by him in accordance with the Kingdom"s lofty message in serving Islam and spreading the approach of moderation. The Chairman of the Council of Scholars valued the pivotal role being played by the Kingdom in serving Islam, Muslims in the world, pilgrims and providing them with facilities. For his part, Dr. Al-Sheikh thanked the Council of Scholars of the Republic for being honored with this medal, praying to Allah Almighty for success to serve Islamic works in various fields according to the approach of moderation and the aspirations of the wise leadership in Saudi Arabia. —SPA