‘This is the Arabian Gulf’ to be held in Rome on May 27

Manama : An event showcasing the Gulf societies’ values of love, coexistence and respect for all religions and  cultures, “This is the Arabian Gulf,” will be held  in Rome on May 27. 

Speaking about the event at a news conference here yesterday, Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA) Secretary-General Betsy Mathieson said it would be “the biggest regional event ever held in Europe” with over 200 delegates from Bahrain attending. “Religious leaders, schools, clubs, societies, businesses, parliament, Shura Council members, women’s clubs and charities will attend.”

She also said there would be a “dedicated, serious Peace Dialogue with very high level senior clerics – for instance the Grand Mufti of Turkey and religious leaders from Bahrain, Saudi and around the region.”

“Bahrain is unique regarding religious freedom in the Middle East. It has been, for centuries, a ‘melting pot’ of civilizations, faiths, cultures and ethnicities,” she remarked.

Commenting on Bahrain’s diverse population and co-existence, Ms. Mathieson said, “Ignorance is the enemy of peace. Therefore, it’s our duty to educate people about the truth of Islam.” 

She said the organisation would soon be going to visit Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the newly appointed Minister of Tolerance in the UAE, to show support for her and the United Arab Emirates. 

Member of organising  committee for “This is the Arabian Gulf” Fawzia Zainal pointed out that the choice to hold the event in Rome came about for several reasons. “Italy is the southern gateway to Europe, and has long been home to culture, civilisation and commercial exchange between Arabs and Europeans. It also includes the Vatican, from which, by direct association and alliance, one can confirm the religious tolerance and openness of Islam to other religions,” she explained.

 Former Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Karim Al Shakar expressed the importance of such events at this particular time.