HM King consolidated tolerance, coexistence and dialogue values: Shura Chairman

Manama, June 9 (BNA): Shura Council Chairman, Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh, has asserted that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Reform Project had consolidated the values and principles of tolerance, coexistence and dialogue in the Bahraini society. He indicated that the Royal Reform Project clearly confirms the importance of promoting the discourse of moderation, coexistence and love among all components and segments of the Bahraini society, noting that those lofty values and principles are embedded in the National Action Charter and the Constitution. While addressing a ceremony hosted by the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue (BFD) marking its tenth anniversary, under the theme “The Story of Dialogue”, Al-Saleh commended the unwavering support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for civil society institutions and organisations, enabling them to play a major role in deepening the principles of equal citizenship among various segments and components of the Bahraini society, without distinction. He indicated that the preservation of the Bahraini society’s cohesion is the responsibility of everyone in the kingdom. He asserted that Bahrain has been known for its great diversity throughout history, in light of the atmosphere of peace, coexistence and moderation prevailing in the kingdom since the Al-Khalifa Royal Family’s accession to power. In Bahrain, places of worship for the various religions and sects are adjacent to each other in an image that reflects the prevailing values of tolerance and fraternity, he said, noting that this approach has been entrenched and deepened thanks to HM the King’s visions and comprehensive reform project. He added: "These royal visions in consolidating the values of peaceful coexistence and dialogue among different religions have reached the global level. This is reflected in HM the King’s launch of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, which represents a qualitative leap in the multiplicity of Bahraini roles at the international level in advancing the human rights system and promoting a culture of openness and coexistence among different individuals and groups.” He pointed out that the “King Hamad Medal for Peaceful Coexistence” is one of the most important and leading international initiatives launched by the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence to contribute to the establishment of world peace and the cessation of conflicts. It is directed to all actors in the international community to approve an agreement criminalising religious, sectarian and racist hate speech, confirming HM King Hamad’s keenness on the importance of promoting global peaceful coexistence. The Shura Chairman stressed that the kingdom has become a pioneer in promoting the values of tolerance, love and openness to the other at the regional and global levels, noting that since the inauguration of HM the King’s comprehensive reform project, the civil society organisations have flourished in the country, in terms of number and activities. In this regard, he said that the Bahrain Foundation for Dialogue (BFD) is one of the fruits of HM King Hamad’s Reform Project, explaining that its principles, activities and initiatives reflect the authentic Bahraini spirit that calls for love, tolerance, coexistence and acceptance of the other. He commended the multiple roles played by BFD in deepening society cohesion and consolidating the all-inclusive national spirit, citing the major role it is playing in supporting dialogue and promoting the values of coexistence and fraternity in the Bahraini society. He reiterated the legislative branch’s commitment to its responsible national role, by providing the necessary support for civil society organisations and regularly updating laws and legislation so as to consolidate love and dialogue, promote the culture of peace and cement national cohesion, in line with the principles of the National Action Charter and the Constitution. He indicated that the concerted efforts exerted by the legislative and executive branches, alongside civil society institutions and organisations in the kingdom, to foster the values of coexistence, love and dialogue among all segments and components reflect the true nature of the Bahraini society, adding that the lofty values that distinguish the Bahraini society have enabled the kingdom to overcome all challenges and attain numerous achievements.