JEDDAH, Sep 29 (Arab News): Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif said on Sunday that Saudi Arabia was successful in foiling 230 terrorist attacks plotted by Al-Qaeda militants.

He said Saudi Arabia would continue its efforts to defeat terrorism with all its might and authorities. Saudi security forces have arrested hundreds of terror suspects over the past years.

Prince Naif made this comment after opening a seminar organized by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Chair for Moderation at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah on Sunday evening.

Prince Naif expressed his appreciation of Prince Khaed Al-Faisal for setting up a research chair at the university to promote moderate thinking among Saudis.

"The Kingdom's political, economic, cultural and social principles are based on moderation," the minister said. "It is an Islamic approach derived from the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah."

Prince Naif added: "The moderation in thought and behavior is a prerequisite of the Islamic religion. Allah says in the Qur'an, 'Thus have We have made of you a balanced Ummah.' It is a requirement for the coexistence of peoples, coalition of nations, and achievement of peace throughout the world."

Prince Naif urged the university staff to inculcate the values of tolerance and moderation among their students. He agreed to the establishment of Prince Naif Chair for Moral Values.