“Arab countries have to carry out serious reforms to ensure the rights and honor of their people,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, while addressing the 8th Forum for the Future in Kuwait.

He added: “Saudi Arabia has supported efforts for the voice of reason and wisdom to prevail in dealing with crises and avoid violence and bloodbath in the region.”

Prince Abdul Aziz said Saudi Arabia’s efforts for development and modernization would continue, while strictly adhering to its Islamic values.

He referred to the unprecedented political developments in the region and urged all countries to work for protecting their territorial unity, regional and civilian safety. “We should not ignore the legitimate rights of the people of the region,” the Saudi minister said, expressing deep sorrow over the deaths of many people in violence-hit countries of the region.

Prince Abdul Aziz reiterated that reforms in Arab countries should conform to Arab culture and values. He referred to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to meet the demands of its people, in terms of reforms and openness.

The deputy foreign minister highlighted the Kingdom’s development achievements in various sectors.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah launched the largest reform program that covered dialogue, education, justice, housing, unemployment, corruption, Shoura Council and municipal elections, he pointed out.

He noted the initiative taken by King Abdullah to empower women by allowing them to participate in municipal polls as voters and candidates and become Shoura members. He also noted the king’s historic initiative to promote interfaith dialogue in order to promote world peace and stability.

He emphasized the importance of the Kuwait forum in exchanging views between delegates from Industrial, Middle Eastern and North African countries to strengthen partnership among them.

“The forum will lead to formulating a suitable framework for constructive and fruitful dialogue to achieve stability, reforms and economic and social development in our countries,” the prince said.

He said the forum came at a time when the world is facing another financial crisis causing economic turmoil and unemployment problems in many countries.