He highlighted the important role being played by King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center in strengthening national unity and spreading love and brotherhood in society.
“The center also serves as a venue for discussing vital national issues, allowing citizens to express their views and present their constructive proposals,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the king as saying.
King Abdullah made the comments while receiving a copy of the center’s annual report from Saleh Al-Hosain, president of the organization, in the presence of senior officials of the center.
“King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center aims at fighting fanaticism and extremism by spreading enlightened views,” the king said.
He said the present situation required joint efforts to formulate a national strategy that would enable young men and women to understand the appropriate way of doing things and enlighten them about the Islamic values of moderation, tolerance and brotherhood and protect them from deviant thoughts and ideologies. The center’s officials briefed the king on the next dialogue forum that will focus on “Health services: Dialogue between the society and health institutions,” which will be held in the southern province of Najran.
During the meeting, Al-Hosain commended King Abdullah’s efforts to promote cultural dialogue at national and international levels. “This reflects the king’s desire to spread the noble humanitarian values of justice and tolerance all over the world,” he said.
Faisal bin Muammar, secretary-general of the center, said King Abdullah had shown great interest in promoting a culture of dialogue among Saudis. “The king wanted dialogue among all members of the society and institutions,” he added.
