Prince Turki Al-Faisal stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been following a moderate Islamic way, denying that the Kingdom has followed a strict method that helps with the growth of extremists and terrorists.
In an interview with the BBC 1, replying to a question that 15 out of 19 who carried out attacks on September 11, in the United States, were Saudis, he said that at that time, the Al-Qaeda had more than 2,000 fighters in Afghanistan who came from different countries including Britain and other European countries.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal noted that the Kingdom has been working for peace and stability in the world and has friendly relations with the Western countries. He indicated that a large number of Saudi students are studying in Western universities, with more than 3,000 Saudi students in British universities.
As for rumours that terrorists who executed bombings in London last month received financial assistance and messages via mobiles from the Kingdom, he said that investigations are under way on this matter by the Saudi and British security forces, pointing to close cooperation between the two countries in exchanging information, fighting terrorism and in other fields.
Prince Turki added that the Al-Qaeda is working all around the world. It works in Britian and other European countries and anywhere else it finds an opportunity for work.
He said as Crown Prince, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz proposed to set up an International Counter-terrorism Center. Such a center can coordinate efforts, exchange information and prevent terrorist attacks, he added.
