[Dialogue as Pillar for Peace and Coexistence — Statement by Saudi Foreign Minister]
Updated 33 min 3 sec ago
September 26, 2026 16:47
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and coexistence among faiths and civilizations at a high‑level United Nations meeting in New York, with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al‑Jubeir underscoring the critical role of dialogue in fostering peace and stability.
Al‑Jubeir delivered the Kingdom’s address at a meeting of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Group of Friends, convened on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
He commended the alliance for its contributions to advancing mutual understanding, countering hate speech, and protecting religious sites and cultural heritage worldwide.
Highlighting the Kingdom’s stance, Al‑Jubeir emphasized that dialogue, coexistence, and respect for diverse faiths are essential foundations for securing lasting peace and societal stability.
He referenced the 11th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, which was hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh during December 2025 and welcomed extensive international participation, positioning the event as a vital platform to assess the alliance’s accomplishments twenty years after its establishment.
Al‑Jubeir articulated the continuing importance of moving forward from the forum, urging renewed dedication to multilateral action, adherence to international law, and sustained intercultural dialogue across varied belief systems and cultures.
He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s backing for the alliance’s endeavors and pledged ongoing cooperation with member states and partners to cultivate environments of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect.
Beyond diplomatic forums, Al‑Jubeir joined a ministerial gathering featuring Gulf Cooperation Council nations along with representatives from India, using the occasion to explore areas of shared interest and coordinated development.
The Saudi official also conducted individual discussions with senior foreign ministers and leaders, including Tajikistan’s Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Barbados’ Mia Amor Mottley, Nicaragua’s Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke Whitaker, Paraguay’s Rubne Ramirez Lezcano, and the European Union’s Special Representation for the Gulf region, Luigi Di Maio.
“Our bilateral relations and partnership frameworks remain a top priority,” Al‑Jubeir noted, outlining avenues to deepen collaboration that serve common strategic objectives.
The meetings examined regional dynamics and identified opportunities to enhance cooperation, ensuring shared interests continue to drive collective progress.
