“Broadening the Tent: Freedom of Religion and Belief” conference concludes

Manama, June 1 (BNA): Board of Trustees Deputy Chairperson of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, President of “This is Bahrain” society, Betsy Mathieson, announced today the approval of “Broadening the Tent: Freedom of Religion and Belief” conference as an event to be held annually with the aim of further consolidating cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union in the field of promoting freedom and human rights. She pointed out that the conference will be held in March next year. This came during the conclusion of the conference which was held over three days under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. An elite of policy and decision makers from Bahrain and the EU as well as representatives of the civil society participated in the event which aimed to lay the foundation of an organised dialogue to deepen joint understanding of religious freedom and foster human cooperation on the basis of pluralism and diversity. Participants in the conference recommended in its conclusion to launch and finance a joint fund for youth-related projects between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the EU. They also called to continue holding joint periodic meetings around the year to follow up the implementation of the recommendations and discuss new issues. They also recommended to organize the associated exhibition of the conference in the Belgian capital, Brussels, to review participation of the public and private institutions and transfer Bahrain’s pioneering experience in religious coexistence and freedom to the European capitals. The concluding session of the conference included an online speech by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, who affirmed that any attack on any religion or faith is an attack on all religions and people. He stressed the importance of protecting religion and faith through mechanisms that are agreed on to assume this responsibility. Gilmore praised cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the EU in promoting religious freedom, pointing out the importance of the conference in this respect. He expressed keenness on further cooperation between both sides in this regard in the future. For his part, Board of Trustees Chairman of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, Dr. Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, pointed out the strategic importance of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a gateway to the EU to enhance cooperation with the region. He also spotlighted Bahrain’s numerous civilisational achievements, particularly over the previous years, emphasizing its continuous distinction throughout its history.