London, July 5 (BNA) Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani affirmed the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain in consolidating tolerance, dialogue and mutual understanding among all religions, cultures and civilizations.
He affirmed the Kingdom’s respect for human rights and religious freedoms, in implementation of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The Minister, during his participation in the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief in London, expressed his happiness to participate in this event, highlighting the civilized record of the Kingdom of Bahrain over the years in ensuring freedom of religion and belief, and openness to others of all religions and races, given its strategic location As the financial and commercial center of the world.
The minister reiterated that thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty the King and the efforts of the government under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain has consolidated its pioneering successes as an inspiring model in respecting citizenship rights and consolidating the values of love and religious, sectarian and ethnic tolerance under the rule of law and institutions. Spreading the culture of peace and human brotherhood in its regional and international surroundings.
He stressed that the freedom to practice religious rites is guaranteed to all in a framework of friendship and mutual respect between followers of different religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. He pointed out that there are mosques, churches and other places of worship such as a synagogue, a Hindu temple and another for Sikhs, the latest of which was the opening of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Arabs last December in Al-Awali.
He added that the National Human Rights Plan (2022-2026) discusses the promotion of religious freedoms, peaceful coexistence between religions and cultures, acceptance of the other, and the promotion of national harmony and unity through educational, media, religious and legislative programs. The Kingdom’s initiatives in accordance with the constitution, the principles of the National Action Charter and the “National Plan to Strengthen the Spirit of National Belonging and Consolidate the Values of Citizenship (Bahraini).
The Minister praised the pioneering initiatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain at the regional and global levels through organizing international conferences for dialogue between religions, beliefs and civilizations over two decades, the latest of which was this year “Expanding the Tent: Freedom of Religion and Worship”. The Doctrine Conference (FORB) with the participation of diplomatic, parliamentary and religious figures from Europe, after the inauguration of the “Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain” in July 2017 as a global document to promote tolerance and religious freedom, the establishment by King Hamad of the Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, and the King Hamad Chair for Studies of Dialogue, Peace and Interfaith Coexistence at the Italian University In La Sapienza, and other initiatives to support dialogue and religious tolerance.
Dr. Al-Zayani also referred to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion and belief, deepening international partnership in protecting religious and intellectual rights and freedoms, and rejecting division, fanaticism, and religious, sectarian or racial hatred, as basic guarantees for that. Respecting human rights and consolidating regional and global peace in the face of violence, extremism and terrorism.
He stressed the importance of constructive cooperation between nations, peoples and civilizations to support sustainable development in a world where the spirit of love and human brotherhood prevails.
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