RIYADH — King Carl Gustaf of Sweden has commended the efforts of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to promote cultural dialogue at national and international levels.

Gustaf made this comment during a meeting with Faisal ibn Muammar, secretary-general of King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center, who briefed the Swedish king on the center’s activities and achievements.

“King Abdullah’s efforts to promote cultural dialogue reflects his desire for the prevalence of peace and stability all over the world,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Gustaf as saying.

Gustaf, who is honorary president of the Universal Scout Fund, is in the Kingdom to open the international peace exhibition. He thanked King Abdullah for his support to the scouts movement and its gifts for peace program. Muammar said his organization had conducted a number of dialogue forums aimed at promoting moderate values and tolerance and combating extremism. The forums discussed issues related to education, women and unemployment.

“We also conduct a number of training programs to create a culture of dialogue among Saudis,” he said.

On Thursday, Gustaf visited the desert camp at Thumama Park here. Education Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Obaid, chairman of the Saudi Scouts Society, and Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, president of the International Union of Muslim Scouts, greeted him on arrival.

“The scouts organization teaches children to be self-reliant and how to set a good example to others. Thus, it offers a lot for the benefit of society,” Gustaf said. The Scandinavian countries teach scouts how to preserve energy, make use of solar energy and protect environment, he added.

The World Organization for the Scouts Movement’s Gifts for Peace Program has received the support of King Abdullah at both world and national levels.

“Gifts for peace is our key centennial program for all scouts to tackle local issues and make a difference in our communities,” said the movement in a statement.

These gifts for peace are gifts of education, understanding, tolerance and respect for others, given by scouts in the form of community projects to other young people and their communities in order to help to build a better world. Scouts in Saudi Arabia have peace education built into their Scout program and are running many events and gatherings to promote intercultural understanding, tolerance and respect.