Manama, May 3 (BNA): The discussion sessions of the “Freedom of Religion and Belief” conference kicked off today, in the presence of elite representatives of policy and decision makers from civil society.
This session comes within the framework of the second edition of the joint conference between Bahrain and the European Union on freedom of religion and belief, which aims to enhance the value of dialogue to deepen understanding of freedom of religion and belief, and to enhance human cooperation in the field of freedom of religion and belief. Principles of pluralism and diversity.
The King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence is organizing the joint Bahraini-European conference on freedom of religion and belief, in cooperation with the “This is Bahrain” association.
Minister of Social Development Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor stressed, in a speech he delivered at the discussion session, Bahrain’s development steps under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. .
Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, Chairperson of the Bahrain Board of Directors, Betsy Matheson, affirmed that (the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration) continues to receive greater international attention, noting that the essence of this important document aims to promote peace in the world and achieve peaceful coexistence among peoples. .
She noted His Majesty the King’s interest and support for the founding document since 2017, noting that the declaration was not issued to academics, politicians, or government organizations.
“The document is destined to touch every man, woman, and child on the planet, giving hope and comfort to those who live without this precious human right, or who live with severe restrictions on their right to worship freely and either.” she added.
She pointed out that His Holiness Pope Francis, during his historic visit to Bahrain last November, conveyed the declaration more than once, including the famous introductory phrases of His Majesty the King who said (If ignorance is the enemy of peace, then knowledge is a friend of peace). Hello).
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, also quoted the words of the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration, which called on all peoples to unite in dialogue and friendship.
The sessions discussed ways to consolidate the foundations of organized dialogue to deepen common understanding of freedom of religions and beliefs, and to enhance human cooperation on the principles of pluralism and diversity to enhance respect for freedom of religions and beliefs at the regional and global levels. global levels.
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