Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah called upon Islamic scholars around the world to make combined efforts to strengthen unity and solidarity among Muslims to put an end to the debilitating conflicts in the Islamic world.

He also called for spreading a culture of tolerance, reconciliation and moderation among Muslims.

In his keynote address to the second international Islamic conference organized by the Muslim World League in Makkah on Sunday, the king referred to the plight of the Syrians suffering under an oppressive regime for the past three years.

Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah read out the king’s speech. “These conflicts (in the Muslim world) have not only claimed innocent lives but also caused massive destruction. Moreover, they have undermined the security and stability of these countries,” the king said.

King Abdullah referred to Saudi efforts to reinforce unity and solidarity among Muslim countries. He referred to the Islamic summit hosted in Makkah two years ago for the purpose. He emphasized the role of nongovernmental organizations in achieving solidarity.