RIYADH — Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji on Sunday took part in the "Tolerance Forum," hosted by the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue to mark the International Day for Tolerance. In his remarks, Al-Khuraiji praised the Center for convening the forum at a time of mounting global challenges, noting that the principles of tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence are more vital than ever. He said the observance of the international day reflects widespread global recognition of dialogue and mutual understanding as essential tools for resolving conflict. Al-Khuraiji emphasized that while conflicts rooted in religious, ethnic, or nationalist tensions require local solutions, successful conflict resolution also depends on strong international support. He urged the global community — particularly the United Nations and its agencies — to enhance efforts that promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue, prevent violence, combat hate speech, and advance sustainable peace. He reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to UN initiatives that embed tolerance and dialogue into conflict prevention and resolution. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's consistent backing for regional and international efforts to counter terrorism, extremism, and hate speech, as well as its cooperation with Austria, Spain, and the Vatican to establish the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID). The Vice Minister noted KAICIID's role in supporting UN conflict-resolution efforts by establishing platforms for dialogue and reconciliation and building the capacities of local religious leaders in Nigeria, the Central African Republic, Myanmar, Iraq, and Lebanon. He also cited the Centre's contribution to launching the Fez Global Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent and Counter Incitement to Violence in 2017, in addition to the Kingdom's support for the Muslim World League's global initiatives promoting coexistence. Al-Khuraiji concluded by commending the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue for its efforts in strengthening understanding among cultures and communities, expressing hope that the forum would further advance shared goals in peace and development.
