JEDDAH, 11 September 2007 — The Ministry of Education and the King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue signed on Sunday a partnership agreement to promote the culture of dialogue by cooperating in different fields.
The agreement was signed by President of the National Meeting for Intellectual Dialogue Sheikh Saleh Al-Hossain, who represented the center, and Minister of Education Dr. Abdullah Al-Obaid.
The partnership aims to foster a culture of dialogue and encourage tolerance, moderation and freedom of expression based on Islamic principles.
The two institutes will cooperate in scientific studies, analyses, public opinion surveys and training programs in achieving the objectives of the partnership. They will also organize meetings and seminars for the youth and establish joint data bases on the culture of dialogue.
The center will provide the ministry with technical support and train teachers on the basis of dialogue, which Dr. Al-Obaid said is one of the main priorities of the partnership. The ministry will also facilitate joint activities, workshops and meetings.
Faisal ibn Moammar, secretary-general of the dialogue center, announced after the signing that the two institutes will create a joint work team that will meet regularly to follow up on ways to achieve objectives.
Sub work teams can also be formed as needed to address specific issues. The work team will prepare a work plan and a joint report on the progress made. Al-Moammar emphasized the role of the center in reaching out to society and incorporating different views.
The partnership initially is for a period of five years and will be renewed automatically unless either side notifies the other of its wish not to renew.
