Saudi Gazette report

Riyadh — Culture is an important bridge between countries and peoples and it is crucial to strengthen it to serve global peace and security, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman said here on Sunday.

The King was addressing guests attending the 32nd Janadriya heritage and culture festival during a reception at Al-Yamama Palace.

King Salman said the Janadriya festival embodies the Kingdom’s heritage and culture and manifests the desire to enhance interaction among different world cultures to achieve coexistence and tolerance.

“I am pleased to welcome the participation of the friendly Republic of India as the Guest of Honor in this edition of the festival,” King Salman said.

“We realize the importance of culture as the foundation for the identity and values of nations. We see in cultural diversity and respect for uniqueness of every culture a need for coexistence among peoples.

“We stress the importance of the common humanitarian values in every culture while keeping a distance from the concept of the clash of civilizations,” King Salman said.