Bahrain's strides in fostering tolerance, coexistence praised

Manama, Nov. 22 (BNA): Board of Trustees Chairman of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Co-existence Dr. Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa received today the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, during a visit to Beit Al Quran, in the presence of its founder Dr. Abdellatif Kanoo and members from the centre's Board of Trustees. Dr. Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa stressed that values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Bahrain have been reflected clearly in the policies and initiatives of the kingdom's rulers for over 200 years. He pointed out the noble efforts of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to foster peaceful coexistence and respect of the other at the international level. He described the royal efforts as a clear evidence of Bahrain's pioneering status in promoting tolerance and peace as pillars for global stability. He described the establishment of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence as a coronation of a long march of unrelenting work to foster tolerance. He added it is also a clear message to the world that tolerance and coexistence in Bahrain are a real model and an inherent reality in the community's culture and heritage. He also noted that the Declaration of Bahrain, whose principles are inspired from the philosophy and vision of HM the King, maps out effective intellectual solutions to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence worldwide. The Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II expressed happiness about visiting Beit Al Quran, lauding the efforts of Dr. Abdellatif Kanoo in founding and running it in cooperation with the other founders. He said the visit enabled the delegation to get informed about rare copies of the Holy Quran from different eras. He commended tolerance, coexistence and openness characterising the Bahraini community, lauding the wisdom of HM the King and the gracious welcome he received during his meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. He also hailed the pioneering role of the Kingdom of Bahrain in fostering the culture of religious coexistence, social cohesion and human dignity. He pointed out Bahrain's constant steps on the path of moderation to promote tolerance and coexistence, in line with the directives of HM the King.