RIYADH: Foreign diplomats based in the Kingdom have welcomed the World Conference on Dialogue, which was inaugurated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in Madrid yesterday, saying the event would lead to greater understanding among followers of different religions.
Eugenio d’Auria, the Italian ambassador to the Kingdom, said Italy is a country with a longstanding tradition favoring contact and dialogue between nations, not confrontation. He added that his country appreciates the initiative.
“We are rightly in favor of any progress toward sharing experience and making joint initiatives in order to improve human conditions in the world,” said d’Auria, adding that he feels the conference would lead to better understanding.
Hiroshi Oka, deputy chief of mission of Japan, said Japan welcomes King Abdullah’s initiative, adding that his country has made a unique contribution to the initiative.
“This is because, this initiative was announced at a reception held by the king last March for the participants of the 6th session of the Japanese Islamic Forum, which was held in Riyadh under the auspices of Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal,” he said.
He added that people should understand that dialogue is high on the list of King Abdullah’s priorities and that the king launched the National Dialogue Program when he was crown prince.
Oka said Japan thinks that the king’s call for interfaith dialogue is an extension of his interest in dialogue, adding that he hopes the outcome of the conference would help overcome the miscommunication and misunderstanding that is common among the followers of different faiths. Antonio Villamor, ambassador of the Philippines, said, “We are happy that King Abdullah is at the forefront of this dialogue. The Philippine government welcomes it... We feel that with different problems across the world, leaders talking about interfaith dialogue will enhance the chances of world peace.”
He pointed out that the Philippines is very optimistic about the results. “I would say that our optimism is shared by many in the world, especially with King Abdullah presiding over the conference. Followers of other faiths are keenly watching the possible results of this dialogue and all are praying for its success,” he said.
Jan Thesleff, ambassador of Sweden, said his country considers the initiative to be very important, as an Islamic nation is leading it.
He added that Sweden, like Saudi Arabia, has for a long time worked to develop dialogue. “This dialogue that King Abdullah has proposed and launched in Madrid, we think, is a very, very timely one,” he said.
Thesleff said it was too early to predict the conference’s outcome, although expectations are very high. “I think King Abdullah’s initiative is a very good sign for globalization... we all, as ethnic and religious groups, live together, so the issues of dialogue, cooperation and coexistence are very important,” he said.
