Turkish President Inaugurates 5th Islamic Solidarity Games Tournament

Konya, Turkiye, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkiye, opened here today the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games in the attendence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), a number of heads of Islamic countries and heads of Islamic Olympic committees, and Prince Fahd bin Juluwe bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Head of the Saudi Mission taking part in the event.

Representatives of as many as 54 countries took part in the opening ceremony, hosted by this Turkish resort city of Konya until August 18.

In a key address, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal thanked the Saudi prudent leadership, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince for the unlimited support they extend to the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation's programs and activities since its inception in 1980 up to date.

He honored Islam which more than 14 centuries was the first in history to call for sports practice, noting that Saudi Arabia is keen to proceed with its unlimited support for inter-Islamic countries sports games.

He expressed happiness of the opening of the games in which more than 4000 athletes from 54 countries take part.

He extended thanks to President Erdogan, the Turkish government and people for hosting this event and for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to the guests.

His appreciation went to the OIC, all personnel in the local and international committeess and the steering committee.

For his part, President Erdogan welcomed the attendees for coming, wishing the athletes every success and announcing the official inauguration of the event.

During the official parade of the participating countries, showing a fine picture of arts and culture, Dunya Abu-Taleb, member of the Saudi Taekwondo national team, carried the Saudi flag.

Source: Saudi Press Agency