RIYADH: There is no conflict between the King Abdul Aziz Foundation “Darat” and the King Fahd National Library over the collection and preservation of historical manuscripts, said Dr. Fahd Bin Abdullah Al-Samari, Secretary General of the King Abdul Aziz Foundation. Al-Samari said that according to the Manuscripts Law issued by the Council of Ministers in 2002, the King Fahd National Library was tasked with receiving and preserving local historical manuscripts. However, the Foundation and the Library have a long history of cooperation, so that if the Foundation receives any documents, this falls under this cooperative agreement. There is no encroachment taking place. The two institutions play complementary roles, he added. Apart from this, he said Sulaiman Al-Seuanai, Head of the King Fahd National Library, is also a member of the foundation, and that there has been constant cooperation between the two bodies. He said the preservation of the historical manuscripts by the Foundation or the Library serves one national goal, which is to enable the public to have access to these rare and invaluable manuscripts which document the country's culture and history. He said that Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Riyadh and Chairman of the King Abdul Aziz Foundation, takes personal delivery of all manuscripts and documents from members of the public. The Emir does this to thank people for being of service to their country and the Arabian Peninsula.
