Bahrain welcomes Al Azhar, Vatican leaders' UAE visit

Manama, Feb. 4 (BNA): Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa said the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has always upheld the principles of human fraternity, promoted interfaith dialogue and amity, stressing the role of Emirates rulers in this respect as attested by the tremendous role of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in supporting interfaith dialogue to achieve global security and peace, and praised the organisation of the Global Conference for Human Fraternity in the UAE. The minister welcomed the historic visit of Al Azhar Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El Tayed and Pope Francis, the Pontiff of the Vatican, to the United Arab Emirates and praised their role in disseminating the culture of tolerance, amity and human fraternity, lauding Al Azhar’s moderation and the role of Muslim Elders Council. Shaikh Khalid added that the Global Conference for Human Fraternity organised by the Muslim Elders Council in Abu Dhabi, which coincides with the Holy See’s visit incarnates the mutual desire among the leaders of all religions to inscribe a new page in fraternal relations among the followers of religions. The minister emphasized that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s welcomes this civilisational and humanitarian fraternity and the Vatican leader’s visit to the United Arab Emirates since there is no difference between the two brotherly countries and as each of them mirrors the image of the other always evidenced by the deep-rooted brotherly bonds between the two countries leaderships and people. The minister said that in view of developments, transformations and challenges, the world today needs the wisdom of religious elders to chart the road of peace and peaceful coexistence and consolidate the principles of human fraternity, and he reiterated Bahrain’s supportive stance with all good will efforts to support and promote the interfaith dialogue for the sake of peace to prevail around the world.