RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Islamic affairs minister is to deliver an opening speech as he leads the Kingdom’s delegation at a global interfaith conference in Kazakhstan. On the directive of King Salman, Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Alsheikh is attending the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Nur-Sultan on Wednesday and Thursday. Around 100 delegations from 60 countries are expected at the conference. Saudi Arabia said its participation is in line with its role in leading the Islamic world, and its embodiment of spreading tolerance, moderation and harmony. SPEED READ • Saudi Arabia said its participation is in line with its role in leading the Islamic world, and its embodiment of spreading tolerance, moderation and harmony. • Pope Francis, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, the grand imam of Al- Azhar, are all due to be present. The minister is traveling on an official invitation from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, whom Al-Alsheikh will meet during his time in Nur-Sultan. This week’s congress is focused on the role of faith in the “development of mankind in the post-pandemic period.” It will be attended by representatives from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Shintoism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism and other religions. Pope Francis, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, are all due to be present. The congress will feature discussions on promoting peace and tolerance, preventing the use of religion to escalate conflicts, and strengthening interfaith dialogue to confront hatred and extremism.