Bahrain EU conference discusses freedom of religion and belief
Manama, May 3 (BNA): The discussion sessions of the "Freedom of Religion and Belief" conference have today started in the presence of elite policy and decision makers representatives of civil society.
The session is s part of the second edition of the Joint Bahrain-EU Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief, which aims to aims to promote the value of dialogue to deepen understanding of freedom of religions and beliefs, and to promote human cooperation on the principles of pluralism and diversity.
the Joint Bahrain-EU Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief is being held by the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence in cooperation with the "This is Bahrain" association
Addressing the discussion session, Social Development Minister Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Aasfoor stressed Bahrain's development strides, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, This is Bahrain Chairperson, Betsy Mathieson, affirmed that the (Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration) is still gaining more international attention, pointing out that the essence of this important document aims to promote peace in the world and achieve peaceful coexistence among peoples.
She noted HM the King's care and support to the founding document since 2017, pointing out that the Declaration was not made for academics, politicians, or government organizations.
"The document is rather destined to touch every man, woman, and child on this planet, and to give 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 noted that His Holiness Pope Francis, during his historic visit to Bahrain last November, quoted the declaration more than once, including the famous introductory words of His Majesty the King saying (If ignorance is the enemy of peace, then education is the friend of peace).
Al Azhar Grand Imam His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb also quoted the the words of the Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which called on all peoples to unite in dialogue and friendship.
The sessions discussed ways of consolidating the foundations of an organized dialogue to deepen the common understanding of freedom of religions and beliefs, and the promotion of human cooperation on the principles of pluralism and diversity to enhance respect for freedom of religions and beliefs at the regional and global levels.
