HM King’s role in promoting tolerance; peaceful coexistence hailed

Washington, Feb.6 (BNA): King Hamad Centre for Peaceful Co-existence hosted a dinner banquet in Washington D.C, the USA, in the presence of renowned religious leaders, diplomats and heads of organisations and academies advocating coexistence and interfaith tolerance. The event was in recognition of efforts exerted by the centre which represents a true bridge to communicate of Bahrain and know about its model of co-existence and tolerance. Senior religious leaders, diplomats, and heads of relevant organizations and academies expressed their desire to hold joint efforts and programs, and sign memoranda of understanding with the King Hamad International Center for Peaceful Coexistence, to serve those endeavors, and exchange practices. Addressing the Ceremony, King Hamad Centre for Peaceful Co-existence Board of Trustees’ Chairman Dr. Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa stressed the centre’s keenness on exerting efforts to highlight the Bahraini model of peaceful coexistence He announced that many projects would be launched to focus on forming youth leaders and foster among them the principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence in different areas of life, which will be circulated on a global scale and will not be limited to Bahraini society only, which reflects the essence of His Majesty the King’s message as a prominent global leader in the field of tolerance and coexistence Peaceful. US Assistant Vice President Thomas Ross extended greetings, on behalf of the White House, to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and King Hamad Centre for Peaceful Co-existence, hailing HM the King’s wise leadership in promoting the acceptance of others, diversity and freedom of faith, in Bahrain and the region. “The Kingdom of Bahrain makes great contributions in the fields of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and religious freedoms far beyond its geographical size, which is an exceptional thing to thank for, adding”, he said. “We highly appreciate your continued support and we are excited to work with you as we look to generalize peace and reach a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Middle East region”, he added. Washington-based All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Executive Imam Mohamed Magid hailed Bahrain's strides in promoting the principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, pointing out that the King Hamad International Center for Peaceful Coexistence is an exceptional milestone, adding that Bahrain is an ideal place for coexistence, respect, tolerance and mutual understanding. “You have shown the world the most prominent example and the finest model of peaceful coexistence, and the presence of US clerics and influential people is evidence of the essence of the goals for which the center works”, he said, adding that Bahrain had a Hindu temple more than 200 years old, in addition to many churches and temples for Jews and Buddhists. Round Table International President Greg Mitchel said that The King Hamad International Center for Peaceful Coexistence takes a leadership role in bringing leaders of all religions together to build stronger bridges of cooperation and mutual understandings, by conducting discussions on a periodic basis in order to foster harmony and social harmony and build a common understanding, trust and respect between different religious communities and sects. “If we want sustainable peace and prosperity, we must continue to invest in the same projects and programs that the King Hamad International Center for Peaceful Coexistence is working”, he said. Simon Wiesenthal Center Rabbi Abraham Cooper said that Bahrain has established a positive structure for all its neighbors with its unique forgiving history despite its small size, adding that its society enjoys full rights to practice its religious beliefs and sacred rites with full freedom and openness. He underlined Bahrain’s leading role in promoting peaceful coexistence in the region, adding that King Hamad International Center for Peaceful Coexistence has contribute to turning the Kingdom into a regional beacon towards a new era of tolerance and the promotion of religious freedoms, which will make young people and people of the new millennium look to the world from a tolerant and coexist perspective. British diplomat Sir Charles Hoare hailed the dedicated efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, led by HM the King, to spread the values of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and moderation in the region and the world. “The British government and diplomats look forward to continuing their strong partnership and solid bonds of cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain in order to advance the principles of peaceful coexistence to become widespread”, he said. “I visited the Kingdom of Bahrain in the past and got acquainted with its unique experience in peaceful coexistence”, he said, paying tribute to HM the King for leading Bahrain’s landmark achievements. He also hailed strenuous work to support Christians and other communities.