JEDDAH: The secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, met Tony Blair, former British prime minister and chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, at his office in Jeddah. They discussed issues related to promoting positive change and enhancing common understanding between nations, cultures and peoples. Al-Issa and Blair also discussed ways to strengthen cultural and civilizational ties, and communication and dialogue between followers of different religions and cultures, by establishing dialogue forums and platforms. They discussed ways to intensify efforts and promote programs to fight disease, poverty, illiteracy and ignorance worldwide by bolstering cooperation between the MWL and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. They also discussed cooperation in educational, research and cultural exchange programs in order to raise awareness of common values among peoples worldwide, to foster religious tolerance, and to fight extremism and hatred. They discussed holding training courses and communication programs, enhancing the role of the youth in promoting peace, and implementing development programs in poor communities. Blair’s nonprofit institute is dedicated to programs, consultancy and research that support national development worldwide through good governance, cultural reform, and the promotion of tolerance and civilization.