The sixth forum for cultural dialogue between Japan and the Islamic world opened in Riyadh yesterday. 

The theme of the three-day forum is “Culture and Respect for Religions.” It was organized by the Institute of Diplomatic Studies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of Islamic Affairs. 

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Nizar Madani opened the forum on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal. 

In a speech read on his behalf by Madani, Prince Saud called for holding more dialogues among different religions and cultures in order enhance understanding among societies. 

“We are living in an era of globalization which makes it necessary to easily conduct dialogue among us, so it is an important matter to exert further efforts to get acquainted with others in a better way,” Prince Saud said. 

The prince noted that the theme “Culture and Respect for Religions” was chosen because culture plays a critical role in the development of an individual’s identity, his views towards others as well as the role of religion as a spiritual element for nations.