Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Spain issue joint statement 6 Madrid

The two sides expressed their rejection of the idea of clash of civilizations and appealed for supporting the initiatives calling for peaceful coexistence. They welcomed alliance of civilizations and the initiative of the United Nations, whose first forum was held at the beginning of this year 2008. The Spanish side highlighted the momentous importance of the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud concerning dialogue between religions. They agreed to work together to disseminate culture of mutual respect, understanding and interaction between the Arab and Islamic world and the western world. The two sides welcomed the convention of the first forum of Alliance of Civilizations in the Spanish capital at the beginning of this year 2008. Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Inspector General has expressed his deep appreciation for the warm welcome, generous hospitality, sincere feelings accorded to him and the accompanying delegation by King Juan Carlos I of Spain; Prince of Asturias, Felipe de Borbon; Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero.