JEDDAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah stressed the important role being played by King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center (KANDC) in deepening the values of love, tolerance and dialogue in Saudi society.
“These values are based on Islamic teachings that call for moderation and brotherhood,” the king said while meeting with the president and members of the center’s higher committee.
“Dialogue is vital for human progress because it is the torch that enlightens our minds, strengthens faith and deepens moral values,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the king as saying.
He said the KANDC is a platform for all Saudis to present their viewpoints and conduct constructive dialogue on pressing issues facing the country.
“The outcome of such dialogues contributes to the development and modernization of the country,” the king said, adding that the public and private sectors should cooperate with the center and make use of the conclusions reached at national dialogue forums.
He said Muslims can protect their honor and prestige only through following the teachings of Islam and its principles. “We should also demonstrate keen interest in the outcome of the interfaith dialogue,” he said.
More than 300 leaders of different religious faiths attended an international interfaith conference in Madrid in July, which was held at the initiative of King Abdullah.
“A dialogue which emphasizes what we hold in common as human beings ... will make us realize that values and principles uniting us are more than those dividing us,” the king said.
He said the international dialogue forums that began in Madrid would open a wider horizon for talks to promote coexistence of different religious communities in peace and harmony.
Sheikh Saleh Al-Hosain, president of the center who presented the organization’s annual report to the king, said the center had trained 800 men and women to organize dialogues. “They will play a big role in promoting a culture of dialogue in the Kingdom.”
Faisal bin Muammar, secretary-general of the center, said the next dialogue forum would focus on health. “King Abdullah has stressed the importance of family dialogue in order to promote the values of love and cooperation within the Saudi family.”
