by HRH Prince Saud Al-Faisal
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

History, geography and basic common sense provide ample rationale for recognizing the value and practicality of building a strong and viable partnership between the Arab world and the European Union. The benefits of free trade, economic globalization and technological advances argue the point. We need frequent communication and more candid dialogue to understand each other better. This is especially necessary now that both regions have been overtaken by events that challenge preconceived attitudes and assumptions. Let us not allow the political, cultural and religious misunderstandings of the past to continue and adversely affect the future. It is my intention in this article to suggest some thoughts that may be useful to begin this process.

From the outset let me state our strong and clear conviction that change and reform are necessary in the Arab world if we are to advance. Such reform action must begin at home to ensure the welfare of the people by providing good governance and equality in the eyes of the law.

Islam - as a religion, a culture and a way of life - will certainly have to play a pivotal role in maintaining the social and political bonds during this otherwise turbulent period. I hope to show the relevance of this point despite the prevailing Western view that Islam is an obstacle to modernization.

Purchase the PDF file to continue reading this article in its entirety