Summary He urged Muslim countries to ensure that "terrorists find no sanctuary on their soil"
RIYADH (AFP/Reuters) - US President Donald Trump told dozens of Muslim leaders Sunday he brought "a message of friendship and hope and love", in a keenly awaited speech on Islam in Saudi Arabia.
He urged Muslim countries to ensure that "terrorists find no sanctuary on their soil" and announced an agreement with Gulf countries to fight financing for extremists.
Trump has called on all countries to work together to isolate Iran, accusing the Islamic republic of fuelling "the fires of sectarian conflict and terror".
"Until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace, all nations of conscience must work together to isolate it," he said.
President Donald Trump called on Arab leaders to do their share to fight extremism.
Trump, who generated controversy with his push to ban many Muslims from entering the United States, described the fight against terrorism as a battle between good and evil rather than a clash of civilizations.
"This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life, and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it," Trump will say in the speech, according to excerpts of the speech released by the White House.
"That means honestly confronting the crisis of extremism and the terror groups it inspires. And it means standing together against the murder of innocent Muslims, the oppression of women, the persecution of Jews, and the slaughter of Christians."
Trump s "America first" philosophy helped him win the 2016 election and has rattled allies who depend on U.S. support for their defense. The president, who is struggling to contain a brewing political scandal at home, made clear in his address that Washington would partner with the Middle East but expected more action in return.
"Terrorism has spread across the world. But the path to peace begins right here, on this ancient soil, in this sacred land," he will say in Saudi Arabia, the first stop on a nine-day tour that includes Israel, Italy and Belgium.
The speech is part of an effort to redefine his relationship with the Muslim world after Trump frequently attacked Muslims on the campaign trail last year and tried to ban many from entering the United States.
The approach was also designed to contrast with former President Barack Obama, whom Trump has criticized for his handling of the fight against Islamic State.
"We are not here to lecture, we are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship," Trump says.
"But we can only overcome this evil if the forces of good are united and strong, and if everyone in this room does their fair share and fulfills their part of the burden...the nations of the Middle East cannot wait for American power to crush this enemy for them."
Trump received a warm welcome from Arab leaders, who set aside his campaign rhetoric about Muslims and focused on his desire to crack down on Iran s influence in the region, a commitment they found wanting in Obama.
