Saudi Islamic Minister Meets ASEAN Delegations at Bangkok Conference

The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, met with heads of delegations participating in the third Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) “Khair Ummah” Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 28, 2025. The meetings, held on the sidelines of the conference organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, included representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and Vietnam.

Context and Background

The third ASEAN “Khair Ummah” Conference serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on Islamic affairs among member states and partners. Organized under the auspices of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the conference underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering unity, promoting moderate Islamic values, and enhancing collaboration with Southeast Asian nations. The participation of multiple ASEAN member states highlights the growing importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue in the region.

Key Details

During the meetings, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh exchanged views with delegation heads on topics of mutual interest, primarily focusing on Islamic affairs. The heads of delegations praised Saudi Arabia’s dedication to serving Islam and Muslims, emphasizing its commitment to the Two Holy Mosques, pilgrims, worshippers, and visitors. They commended the ministry for organizing the conference and highlighted the Kingdom’s role in promoting tolerance and condemning extremism and hatred. The discussions also covered potential avenues for future cooperation in Islamic education, dawah, and cultural exchange.

Implications and Impact

The conference and bilateral meetings strengthen Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic and religious ties with ASEAN countries, a region of strategic importance. By engaging with nations such as Indonesia—the world’s largest Muslim population—and others, the Kingdom reinforces its leadership in Islamic affairs and its commitment to countering extremism. These interactions also support stability and mutual understanding in Southeast Asia, aligning with broader efforts to promote peace and moderate discourse within the Muslim world.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This engagement directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by enhancing the Kingdom’s global role as a center of Islamic moderation and cultural outreach. By fostering international cooperation on religious values, combating extremism, and serving Muslim communities worldwide, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance contributes to the Kingdom’s vision of a tolerant, globally connected society. Such initiatives help position Saudi Arabia as a key partner in promoting peace and understanding, reinforcing its commitment to the well-being of the global Muslim community.

20 Questions

Q1. Who met with the heads of delegations at the third ASEAN “Khair Ummah” Conference?

A1. The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, met with the heads of delegations at the conference in Bangkok.

Q2. Which countries were represented in the meetings?

A2. The meetings included delegations from the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and Vietnam.

Q3. Where was the conference held?

A3. The conference was held in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

Q4. Who organized the third ASEAN “Khair Ummah” Conference?

A4. The conference was organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Q5. What did the delegation heads praise about Saudi Arabia?

A5. They praised Saudi Arabia’s dedication to serving Islam and Muslims, including its commitment to the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims.

Q6. What role did the delegation heads highlight regarding the Kingdom?

A6. They highlighted the Kingdom’s role in promoting tolerance and condemning extremism and hatred.

Q7. What was the main focus of the discussions?

A7. The discussions focused on various topics of mutual interest, particularly Islamic affairs.

Q8. What is the purpose of the ASEAN “Khair Ummah” Conference?

A8. The conference serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on Islamic affairs among ASEAN member states and partners.

Q9. How does this conference support Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A9. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in Islamic affairs and its commitment to countering extremism and promoting moderation.

Q10. Which ASEAN country with a large Muslim population participated?

A10. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim population country, participated in the meetings.

Q11. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia engaging with ASEAN nations?

A11. It strengthens diplomatic and religious ties with a strategically important region, promoting stability and mutual understanding.

Q12. What values did the conference aim to promote?

A12. The conference aimed to promote tolerance, moderate Islamic values, and cooperation while condemning extremism.

Q13. Did the delegation heads comment on the Two Holy Mosques?

A13. Yes, they praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques, pilgrims, and visitors.

Q14. How does this initiative align with Vision 2030?

A14. It supports Vision 2030 by enhancing Saudi Arabia’s role as a center for Islamic moderation and cultural outreach globally.

Q15. What topics for future cooperation were discussed?

A15. Potential cooperation in Islamic education, dawah, and cultural exchange were discussed during the meetings.

Q16. Why was the Kingdom’s anti-extremism stance noted?

A16. The stance was noted as part of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in Islamic endeavors and its global efforts to promote peace.

Q17. Is the conference a recurring event?

A17. Yes, this was the third edition of the ASEAN “Khair Ummah” Conference, indicating ongoing engagement.

Q18. What was the date of the meetings?

A18. The meetings took place on January 28, 2025.

Q19. How did the ministry contribute to the conference?

A19. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance organized the conference and facilitated the bilateral meetings.

Q20. What is the broader impact of these discussions on Southeast Asia?

A20. The discussions promote moderate discourse and cooperation in Islamic affairs, contributing to regional stability and mutual understanding.

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