Crown Prince: Promoting tolerance and coexistence defeats extremism

Manama, June 29 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, this evening received General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America, The Rev. Dr. Tom De Vries and his accompanying delegation, at Riffa Palace. During the meeting the Crown Prince highlighted Bahrain’s longstanding commitment to upholding the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, stressing that the principles have helped strengthen Bahrain’s diversity and are underpinned by His Majesty King Hamad's development programme, which reinforces Bahrain's place as a nation of peace and multiculturalism. His Royal Highness stressed that the openness of Bahrain’s people is enshrined in the Kingdom's traditions and reflects citizens' commitment to the peaceful values of Islam. The Crown Prince and General Secretary discussed the contribution that religion can make to promoting peace and resolving conflict, during which the Crown Prince emphasised that Bahrain recognises religion's role as a major component of promoting tolerance across the region and defeating extremist ideologies. The Crown Prince went on to praise the efforts of the American Mission Hospital in providing high quality health care to the Kingdom's citizens and residents since the start of the last century, which is testament to the longstanding ties and cooperation between Bahrain and the United States. The General Secretary expressed his pleasure for the opportunity to meet the Crown Prince, and highlighted Bahrain’s achievements in promoting peace and tolerance amongst religions and cultures. Shaikh Mohamed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the American Mission Hospital's Board of Directors, also attended the meeting.