Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji Addresses Tolerance Forum On Saudi Arabia's Role In Promoting Peaceful Coexistence

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji took part in the "Tolerance Forum" organised by the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication (KACCC) in Riyadh. This event coincided with the International Day for Tolerance. In his speech, he praised KACCC for hosting the forum during a period when global challenges necessitate reinforcing tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.

The vice foreign minister emphasised that celebrating the International Day for Tolerance signifies the global community's dedication to dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence as conflict resolution tools. He remarked on how intolerance and hate speech have long been recognised as threats to international peace and stability.

Elkhereiji pointed out that conflicts based on religious, ethnic, or national identities are inherently local and require local solutions. However, he stressed that international backing is crucial for resolving these issues effectively. He highlighted the need for ongoing efforts by the international community, especially the United Nations and its agencies, to foster dialogue and tolerance among different religions and cultures.

He further stated that promoting dialogue is essential in preventing violence, countering hate speech, resolving conflicts, enhancing mutual understanding, and achieving sustainable peace. The vice foreign minister reiterated Saudi Arabia's support for UN initiatives aimed at fostering tolerance and dialogue to prevent and resolve conflicts peacefully.

Elkhereiji underscored Saudi Arabia’s regional and international contributions to combating terrorism, extremism, and hate speech. He mentioned the Kingdom’s collaboration with Austria, Spain, and the Holy See in establishing the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue.

The vice foreign minister concluded by commending KACCC's efforts in promoting dialogue and understanding among diverse peoples and cultures. He expressed optimism that this forum would serve as an additional step toward achieving common goals in peace and development.

With inputs from SPA