Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said that diversity of cultures and respect for their privacy are demands for coexistence among peoples to achieve peace.
The comment was made during a speech delivered by the Saudi King at al-Yamamah Palace on Sunday while receiving guests of National Festival for Heritage and Culture "Al-Janadriyah 32," including writers and intellectuals.
“We are aware of the importance of cultures as a cornerstone in shaping the identity and values of nations,” the King said.
He also stressed the importance of shared human values in all cultures. “The cultural dimension has become fundamental for good relations among countries and peoples,” he explained, noting that strengthening it is necessary for international peace and security.
King Salman welcomed the festival guests in his speech and India's scholars and representatives as the guests of honor in this year's festival.
“This event reflects Saudi Arabia’s heritage and culture and our desire to promote interaction among different cultures and achieve coexistence and tolerance amongst peoples, based on shared human values.”
Prince Turki al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz delivered the speech of the dignitaries at the festival this year, in which he stressed that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has a long history in honoring the sons of the homeland since he was Prince of Riyadh region.
For his part, Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Ashrafi thanked Saudi Arabia for its hospitality and warm reception.
“This festival represents the great history of this country and conveys the message of tolerance, moderation and mercy, which is demanded by our religion,” Ashrafi said.
He stressed that the guests of this festival, including scholars and intellectuals, appreciate the contributions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Arab and Islamic nations, international peace and security and his efforts in serving culture and heritage through this great festival.
The audience was attended by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince Dr. Mansour bin Mutaeb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State, Cabinet's Member and Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in addition to a number of princes, ministers and officials.
