RIYADH — Swedish King Carl Gustaf, who is honorary president of the Universal Scout Fund, yesterday emphasized the role of scouts in promoting world peace and developing skills of children.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the international scouts exhibition and desert camp at Thumama Park here, he also noted the scouts’ educational role.
He commended the generous support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to the international scouts organization and to the peace gift program, which will be launched today.
Education Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Obaid, chairman of the Saudi Scouts Society, and Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, president of the International Union of Muslim Scouts, greeted the king on arrival.
King Gustaf decorated a number of scouts with the Saudi scout kerchiefs. He was briefed about how Arabic coffee is prepared. He also toured various sections of the camp.
“I came to the Kingdom to open the international peace exhibition, which highlights the scout movement’s role in strengthening peace between countries,” King Gustaf said.
“The scouts organization teaches children to be self-reliant and how to set a good example to others. Thus, it offers a lot for the benefit of society,” he said.
He said the Scandinavian countries teach scouts how to preserve energy, make use of solar energy and protect environment.
Naseef said the visit of the Swedish king to the camp would encourage scouts, after learning that many world leaders are part of the organization.
