​Dr. Fawzan bin Abdul-Rahman Al-Fawzan, Acting Rector of Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, has inked on the afternoon of this Wednesday at his office an action agreement of King Abdulaziz Research Chair for Islamic Studies at University of Bologna with Prof. Francesco Ubertini, Rector of University of Bologna.

The inked agreement, which directed by Dr. Ahmad Al-Essa, Saudi Minister of Education, has accomplished in the presence of Dr. Fahd Al-Maghlooth, Saudi Cultural Attaché at Saudi Embassy to Italy, and Dr. Fahd Al-Asker, Vice-Rector for Higher Studies and Academic Research, who doubles as Vice-President of Al-Imam Research Chair Program.

Commending the inked agreement, Dr. Al-Fawzan has stated that, Al-Imam University, which is basically focus on Islamic and Arabic sciences, is proud to collaborate with University of Bologna and their great interest in Islamic studies. He kept the Italian delegation abreast about the university and its branches inside and outside Saudi Arabia.

From his side, Prof. Francesco Ubertini of Italian University of Bologna has expressed about his happiness to visit Riyadh city and to be hosting by Al-Imam University. He in furtherance revealed that, after H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, May Allah Almighty rest his soul in peace, had supported King Abdulaziz Research Chair for Islamic Studies at his university in 2000, then his administration has started to focus on Saudi Arabia. That’s why the inked collaboration agreement will strongly strengthening the academic ties between both universities, added he.

In a similar vein, Dr. Al-Asker has provided a historical background for the founding of the research chair. He, additionally, revealed that, the state visit of H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz to Italy has emerged in the founding of King Abdulaziz Centre for Islamic Studies, where the current research chair have emerged.

“During the last September, a high-level delegation, from Al-Imam University Research Chair Program, has paid a visit to University of Bologna, where they deeply discussed the bilateral relations, especially on Islamic Sharia, Human Rights in Islam, Arts and literatures of Muslims, and the historical and Islamic relationships with Italian Republic”, added Dr. Al-Asker.

At the end of the signature ceremony, souvenirs have exchanged by the both parties.