Lisbon: On behalf of Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the 10th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Global Forum held in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. During his participation, the Vice Minister delivered a speech emphasizing the significant global challenges of the present time that require concerted efforts and the enhancement of values of cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Vice Minister highlighted that the Alliance of Civilizations is not merely a platform for dialogue but a noble message aimed at fostering deeper understanding between people and cultures and fostering communication bridges to enable us to overcome differences and enhance common understanding. He reiterated the Kingdom’s call to intensify cooperation between governments, civil society, cultural institutions, and educational institutions to solidify these principles in future g
enerations, ensuring a better future characterized by diversity and harmony.
The Vice Minister pointed out that the Kingdom’s participation in this conference confirms that Saudi Vision 2030 is not limited to reducing the Kingdom’s reliance on oil and achieving economic growth alone but is a cultural and national project that seeks to build values of moderation and openness to other civilizations and cultures. He explained that Saudi Vision 2030 is a comprehensive framework that focuses on establishing cultural diversity and openness to the world, enhancing its role in supporting global peace, combating extremism, and promoting peaceful coexistence among different peoples.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s national experiences through various initiatives that have contributed to the establishment of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, the establishment of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Center, and the establishment of a moderation center to co
mbat extremist ideologies as models in promoting tolerance and coexistence among different societal components. This reflects the Kingdom’s firm belief that diversity is a source of strength and richness, affirming at the same time the Kingdom’s continued political and financial support for the alliance.
In conclusion, the Vice Minister expressed the Kingdom’s welcome to hosting the 11th Alliance of Civilizations Conference session in 2025.
