VIENNA: Chairman of Kuwait’s IICO Dr Abdullah Al-Maatouq addressing a KAICIIDhosted international conference.—KUNA

VIENNA: The Vienna-based King Abdullah International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) is instrumental in promoting interfaith harmony and cross-cultural co-existence, a Kuwaiti official said yesterday. Addressing a KAICIID-hosted international conference on "Interfaith Dialogue for Peace", Chairman of Kuwait's International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) Dr Abdullah Al-Maatouq said the meeting was a testament to the center's contributions towards cultural interaction and fellowship between people of different faiths.

The Amiri Diwan Advisor cited ongoing turmoil in many parts of the world, which underscores the need of such events that provide a platform for dialogue over efforts to root out violence and espouse the merits of harmony. Maatouq went on to express hope that the conference would yield concrete plans to build peace among religions and reject all forms of intolerance and bigotry. Up to 250 delegates from 50 countries are taking part in the conference that kicked off on Monday. - KUNA