World Conference on Dialogue concluded

Madrid - The session began with an address by former Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio, the current World Higher Commissioner for the Alliance of Civilizations, which was read on his behalf by Iqbal Ridah.


In his speech, Sampaio underlined the importance of the conference
and expressed appreciation for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for his initiative to convene the
conference.


He said the allegations which say that religions are the cause of
conflicts in the contemporary world are untrue.


The former President noted that most of the conflicts are mainly for
political reasons, adding that discrimination, social injustice and
political imbalances have a role in the eruption of wars.


He pointed out that the positive impact of heavenly religions is
found in the religious teachings which urge their followers to adhere
to their right to an honorable life.

Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Dr. Abdullah bin
Abdulmohsin Al-Turki, then delivered a speech in which he emphasized
this global dialogue held in Madrid that stemmed from the call and
patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin
Abdulaziz Al-Saud and organized by the MWL, contained distinct
personalities of followers of the revealed Messages and oriental
philosophies particularly those who have experience in dialogue
around the world.


He explained that the participants of the conference had a desire
for a serious and fruitful dialogue enriched by sincere cooperation
among followers of the revealed Messages and oriental philosophies in
order to contribute to the delight of the mankind, and mitigate their
crises.


He said that the participants expressed the need to cooperate in
order to raise the virtuous values, to deepen the spirit of
cooperation and tolerance, to contribute to the preservation of the
environment created by Allah Almighty for the service of the human
beings, to preserve the family and communities and to deepen faith in
God.


He added "The speeches of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and
King Juan Carlos at the opening of the conference were starting
points of constructive discussions for the conferees".
He reviewed the efforts of the UN in bringing about peace and
coexistence in the various parts of the world through the initiatives
and conferences held in this respect.


On behalf of the guests of the conference, President of the
Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue Jean-Louis Pierre
Tauran said dialogue which is based on love and respect is the best
way for realizing peace among the nations of this world.


He thanked King Abdullah for his initiative in this respect.


He noted that through the deliberations of the conference it has
become clear that it will be possible to meet and respect the beliefs
and learn new methods for dialogue.


The MWL's Secretary General noted that the MWL appreciates the
efforts exerted to make the conference successful.


He said the MWL looks for greater cooperation with various
organizations, institutions and personalities.


He thanked Allah Almighty and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for patronizing the conference.


He also thanked King Juan Carols of Spain and his Prime Minister
(President of the Govt.) Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for their
participation in the opening of the conference.


He thanked the Spanish officials for their cooperation to make the
conference successful.


Dr. Al-Turki also thanked the Ulema (Islamic Scholars) and
researchers who have contributed to enriching the conference by their
researches and discussions.


He thanked the media for following up the conference.