Call for global efforts to counter extremism, terrorism and sectarianism

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The international community needs to intensify its efforts to counter extremism, terrorism and sectarianism.

This was emphasised by Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani yesterday as he took part in the ministerial conference third edition opening session on advancing freedom of religion or belief.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland virtually with the participation of a number foreign ministers from all over the world.

Minister Al Zayani delivered a speech in which he stressed that global cooperation is key to counter extremist narratives, monitor hate speech, and promote and protect freedom of religion and belief.

The problems of extremism, terrorism and sectarianism threaten the security, stability and prosperity of the region, he said.

Dr Al Zayani added that the Kingdom of Bahrain has been, for hundreds of years, a beacon of religious freedom and diversity.

He underlined that these freedoms are guaranteed by the Constitution of Bahrain in line with the far-sighted vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to promote peace and stability as a pathway to further prosperity and development, not just locally, but in the region and the world.

He said HM the King believes that ignorance is the enemy of peace, and “it is therefore our duty to learn, to share and to live together, by the tenets of faith in the spirit of mutual respect and love.”

He also underlined that in line with His Majesty’s unwavering commitment to protecting religious freedom, the Kingdom has taken tangible and effective measures to ensure that a culture of peace, dialogue and coexistence is fostered both domestically and regionally.

The Minister affirmed Bahrain’s commitment to ensure the protection and promotion of religious freedoms and reiterated its belief in the importance of dialogue to counter the extremism.

He added that the Kingdom would continue its diplomatic efforts and national initiatives to promote the culture of tolerance, coexistence, and prosperity.