Islamic Affairs Minister Opens Fourth ASEAN Countries Conference in Cambodia

   Phnom Penh, October 05, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh today inaugurated the fourth ASEAN Countries Conference, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Cambodia. A select group of ministers, scholars, researchers, and Islamic figures from Saudi Arabia and ASEAN countries, as well as ambassadors of Arab and Islamic countries accredited to Cambodia, attended the conference.
   Al Alsheikh delivered Saudi Arabia’s address during the opening ceremony, emphasizing that the conference reflects the depth of brotherly relations and constructive cooperation among those concerned with Islamic affairs.
   He noted that the conference is being held at a time when the world is experiencing successive wars and turmoil, which require greater constructive efforts and serious cooperation to preserve Islamic identity and protect the correct creed from extremism and negligence, or alienation and dissolution. He stressed that the Muslim nation can achieve no honor except through a sincere return to the Holy Quran and the Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah.
   For his part, Cambodian Minister in Charge of Special Mission (Islamic Affairs) Dr. Othsman Hassan delivered the host country's address, welcoming the participants and praising the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts to serve Islam and Muslims and promote the values of moderation and balance. He also praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts and programs that contribute to enhancing communication and cooperation with Islamic institutions and figures in ASEAN countries, and appreciated the selection of Cambodia as the launch point for the conference's fourth edition.
   Following the opening ceremony, the conference's scientific sessions began. The first day features five sessions addressing several topics, most notably the features of the moderate approach, the concept of moderation, and the challenges facing it. The sessions also address moderation in belief, worship, ethics, conduct, and methodology, the merits of moderation, and the main challenges and threats facing it.
   -- SPA