Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations
On the Death of HM King Abdulallh Bin Abdulaziz Custodian of the two Holy Shrines, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
New York – 23 January, 2015
The High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser is profoundly saddened for the passing of His Majesty, Abduallah Bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Shrines, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mr. Al-Nasser expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family of King Abduallah and extends his deepest sympathies to the people and Government of Saudi Arabia.
King Abduallah, was a visionary Arab leader whose wisdom and commitment to reform have reshaped the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and inspired the entire Arab Region.
King Abduallah will always be remembered as a force of moderation in the Arab and Muslim Worlds. He contested the radical interpretations of the Quran, ordered that textbooks in Saudi Arabia be purged of extremist language and encouraged Imams to engage in re-education lessons.
As a strong advocate of tolerance, King Abduallah initiated in 2008, a meeting of world religious leaders in Madrid, in which he called for interfaith dialogue, respect for diversity and the promotion of tolerance. These core values are enshrined in the mission of the Alliance of Civilizations.
The death of King Abduallah will be mourned throughout the Arab region and Muslim world. On behalf of the Alliance of Civilizations, the High Representative f extends once again his condolences to the people and Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His family will be in our prayers.