Moscow, Muharram 17, 1439, Oct 7, 2017, SPA -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received here today an honorary doctorate from the Moscow State University of International Relations. This came during a ceremony, at the Moscow State University of International Relations on this occasion. Upon arrival of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the venue, he was received by the Russian Minister of Education and Science Olga Vasilyeva and the Director of the Moscow State University of International Relations Professor Anatoly Turkanov. Then the Russian Minister of Education and Science Vasilyeva delivered a speech in which she expressed the university s pride in honoring the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and thanked him for attending the university s ceremony, stressing that this historic visit to the Russian Federation will contribute to the rapprochement between the two countries and develop their cooperation paths. She noted Saudi Arabia s keen interest in the development of education, scientific research and health. For his part, the Director of Moscow State University for International Relations Torkunov delivered a speech welcoming the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the University, which is a pioneer in the preparation of cadres for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other countries. He also referred to the university s interest in Arabic, pointing out that the university library contains a collection of Arabic publications. Then the university director announced the university s decision to grant the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud an honorary doctorate. On the other hand, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques addressed the audience, saying: In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate, Minister of Education Olga Vasilyeva Prof. Anatoly Turkanov Faculty members Distinguished guests Peace, mercy and blessings of God I am pleased to be among you today amid this distinguished gathering of scholars and men knowledge in this scientific edifice in friendly Russia, whose friendly people make important contributions in the fields of science and knowledge and in the development of human civilization. I would like to express thanks and appreciation of the Moscow Institute of International Relations for awarding me the honorary doctorate, which I am pleased to accept from this scientific edifice, which is a shining scientific beacon. Distinguished guests, Science and knowledge are the foundation of the renaissance of nations, through the formation of educated generations that lead societies, contribute to the promotion of tolerance and coexistence among peoples and the preservation of cultural achievements. In this regard, we pay tribute to the heritage of the Arab and Islamic nation, which has witnessed in history its contributions to the march of human civilization in various fields of science and its role as a major link in international relations between the peoples and cultures of the world. We in the Kingdom pay great attention to the creation of a new generation that contributes to the building of human civilization and facing contemporary challenges. The interest in science and innovation, technical development and the development of human competencies is an important pillar of development. From this rostrum, I call upon the universities and centers of science and thought in our friendly countries to build bridges of communication and cooperation to promote the language of meaningful dialogue, deepen the dissemination of knowledge and develop joint research to serve our peoples and the peoples of the world. Then, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques then received an honorary doctorate from the university s director. It s noteworthy that Moscow State University of International Relations is one of the three largest educational institutions in Russia. It was founded in 1944 and currently has 8 faculties and three institutes. The total number of students who have studied at the university since its inception has reached 60,000, of which 5,500 are foreign students from 60 different countries, from the world over. The ceremony was attended by the top level delegation accompanying the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, on his current official visit to Russia. -- SPA17:02 LOCAL TIME 14:02 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w506561