The Kingdom's continued quest to develop and modernize and its adherence to Islamic and Arabic traditions are important factors in the development of Saudi society. Through this the Kingdom has been able to meet the aspirations of citizens in modernization and openness while preserving the identity, culture and entity of the society, Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Foreign Minister, said here Tuesday. Prince Abdul Aziz, who is also head of the Saudi delegation to the 8th Forum For the Future of Group of Eight, the Middle East and Africa, made these remarks in a speech at the forum. At the outset of his address, he dealt with the current global conditions and the Arab region's profound transformations. “This matter requires a responsible stance to preserve the region's countries, their unity of lands and territorial integrity,” he said. Prince Abdul Aziz expressed the Kingdom's sorrow and grief over the large number of civilian casualties during these events. “The Kingdom has called for priority to be given to the voice of reason and wisdom in dealing with the crises that emerged from these changes,” he said. “We look forward to new advances or modernization of our communities that emanate from our values and traditions as well as our responsibility toward the interests of our states and our citizens,” he said. King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, he said, has envisioned these challenges by launching the biggest reform project in the Kingdom in the domains of dialogue, education, justice, housing, and the fight against unemployment and corruption. “The reforms include expanding the powers of the Shoura Council and the formation of the Regions' Councils, holding two sessions of municipal elections, and taking historic decisions on the participation of women in municipal elections and the Shoura Council,” Prince Abdul Aziz said. He highlighted the sincere initiatives by King Abdullah to embrace dialogue and spread the culture of peace and tolerance which resulted in the signing of an agreement with the United Nations to establish an international center to combat terrorism under the umbrella of the United Nations to strengthen its role and its committees involved in the fight against terrorism.
