King stresses role of universities in empowering culture of dialogue

Kuala Lumpur – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman said on Monday that universities should play their roles in strengthening national solidarity and empowering the culture of dialogue, tolerance and harmony.

“This is important to realize peace and security at the international level so that the entire world’s population could enjoy comfort and wellbeing,” he said.

The King made the remarks in his speech after being conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters by University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. The degree was presented to the King by the University Chancellor Sultan Nazrin Shah, who is the sultan of the State of Perak.

King Salman called upon universities and research centers in Islamic countries to produce works that could contribute to the development of Islamic civilization.

“This must be done to face the challenges in the technical and intellectual fields, which were no different from the challenges in economic and political aspects. Universities are the center for nation-building which have a mission to realize holistic development,” the King said.

King Salman praised the university for playing its roles as one of the centers for the advancement of knowledge. “This university has also contributed to the development and progress of Malaysia and other countries,” he said.

Earlier, upon arrival at the venue, the King was received by Sultan Nazrin Shah, Minister of Higher Education Idris Jusoh and Vice-Chancellor Mohammed Amin Jalaludin.

The King also planted a tree on the occasion of his visit.