Saudi Gazette report

NEW YORK – The Civilization Interaction Conference between Muslim World and the United States kicked off here with the participation of the United Nations, 450 scholars and thinkers representing 56 states as well as Islamic and US intellectual and cultural institutions.

The opening ceremony was attended by Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Isa, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, President of Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque Affairs Sheik Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais and a number of senior personalities from the Muslim World.

In his speech, MWL Secretary General Al-Isa highlighted the historic interaction between the Muslim World and the United States through humanitarian, educational, economic and political cooperation.

He said this conference aims to highlight diversity and the need for coexistence and cooperation to serve mutual interests and the service of humanity as a whole and to promote social peace and intellectual security and defeat evil.

OIS Secretary General Dr. Al-Othaimeen stressed that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation believes in dialogue aiming to enhance mutual respect and understanding among peoples, confirming that a culture of peaceful coexistence will serve the United States and the Muslim World.

He called to address Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia by adopting a comprehensive approach for dialogue between American and Islamic peoples, stressing the importance of focusing on common factors between the two nations to establish a beneficial dialogue for the both sides.

Sheikh Al-Sudais confirmed the importance of enhancing dialogue and peace as well as combating terrorism and extremism.

Then, a number of prominent personalities delivered speeches during the opening ceremony.