Bangkok, January 28, 2025 – Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance of Saudi Arabia, held a series of productive meetings yesterday in Bangkok with several high-level delegations participating in the 3rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) International Conference, “Khair Ummah.” This important event, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, is a platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration on key issues facing the Muslim world, especially within the context of Southeast Asia.
Among the delegations present were key representatives from Singapore, Laos, and Myanmar, all of whom praised Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to promote moderate Islam, counter extremism, and combat hatred in the region and beyond. The Singaporean delegation was led by Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, while the Laotian delegation was headed by Somboune Khan, President of the Islamic Organization of Laos. Myanmar was represented by Dr. Asad bin Ismail, Director of the Bareq Institute for Arabic Language and a member of the Muslim World League (MWL) Supreme Council.
During the meetings, the delegation leaders acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s crucial role in promoting peace and tolerance, particularly in the realm of Islamic affairs. They expressed their admiration for the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to empowering Islamic leadership, especially in spreading awareness about the importance of correct beliefs and the need to resist extremist ideologies. The delegations highlighted the significance of the "Khair Ummah" conference as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN countries and the Kingdom in addressing shared challenges related to Islamic teachings and societal harmony.
Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, in his discussions, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing the cause of moderate Islam, stating that the Kingdom's strategic initiatives focus on promoting balanced and authentic Islamic knowledge, which can effectively counter the rising tide of extremism and radical ideologies that threaten global peace. The Minister emphasized the importance of international cooperation in these efforts, calling for greater unity among Muslim nations to safeguard the values of Islam and promote tolerance, peace, and coexistence.
In addition to discussions on religious matters, the meetings also covered a range of topics of mutual interest, including the enhancement of cultural exchanges, the fostering of interfaith dialogue, and the development of programs to promote the understanding of Islamic teachings in line with modern challenges. The delegations underscored the importance of such conferences in creating a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences, enabling countries to come together in the shared pursuit of a more peaceful and just world.
The "Khair Ummah" conference, which serves as an essential venue for strengthening ties among Southeast Asian nations and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to engage with the global Muslim community. This engagement is designed to build mutual understanding, combat misconceptions about Islam, and provide practical solutions to the challenges that Muslims face in different parts of the world.
Through these ongoing dialogues, Saudi Arabia continues to assert its leadership in fostering moderate Islamic teachings, supporting international cooperation, and contributing to global efforts in the fight against extremism. The outcomes of these meetings are expected to lay the groundwork for further collaboration and exchange of best practices in the promotion of peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity in the Islamic world.
As the conference progresses, the discussions and partnerships forged during these meetings are poised to have a lasting impact on shaping the future of Islamic affairs, ensuring that the core values of peace, tolerance, and understanding are upheld across the globe.
