JEDDAH: The Saudi minister of Islamic affairs, dawah and guidance, Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, signed an agreement with Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Jeddah on Thursday, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between the nations in efforts to promote the understanding of Islam and its message of tolerance, and raising cultural awareness among Muslims. The deal will include training for Nigerian imams and other religious figures in topics such as preaching and teaching of the Arabic language. It also covers collaboration in affairs relating to mosques, including construction, maintenance and restoration, and the training and development of mosque staff. The two countries will share their experience and expertise in online preaching and work together to counteract websites that incite violence and extremism, or otherwise misrepresent Islam. Nigeria was represented at the signing of the agreement by Sheikh Al-Hajj Yahaya Abubakar, a member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and officials from both countries were also present.