Saudi money for Reykjavik mosque
The President and new Saudi ambassador met today. Photo: President of Iceland website
The Saudi Arabian authorities have offered to contribute some ISK 135 million (approx. €907,000) towards the building of a mosque in Reykjavik. The prospect of a mosque in Reykjavik has caused some controversy and the project does not enjoy universal support.
The offer was announced at today’s meeting between the President of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, and the new Saudi ambassador, Ibrahim S. I. Alibrahim, at the President's official residence in Bessastaðir. The ambassador presented the President with his credentials and special greetings from the new Saudi king, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The ambassador has apparently been to inspect the site of the new mosque.
The President and the ambassador also discussed Icelandic interest in exploring geothermal possibilities in Saudi Arabia and the increasing violence in the Middle East.
