Bahrain's efforts to promote tolerance, coexistence stressed

Madrid, July 28 (BNA): Board of Trustees Chairman of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Co-existence Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa stressed the centre’s keenness to promote the culture of co-existence adopted by Bahrain for centuries to achieve stability in the world. During a function co-organised by the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Co-existence and “This is Bahrain” society in Madrid, Spain, on July 26, Shaikh Khalid praised hospitality and religious tolerance which have ever characterised the Spanish people. He described that as a common feature with Bahrain, stressing religious freedom guaranteed by the law under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa who considers that as the sole way for progress in a turbulent world. Shaikh Khalid highlighted key projects launched by Bahrain to foster this noble goal like the King Hamad Chair in Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence which is considered the first of its kind in the world. He revealed that choosing Sapienza University, in Rome, Italy, which is one of the most prestigious European universities that was founded in 1303, to host the King Hamad Chair in Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence will help promote coexistence and fight terrorism and extremism. Shaikh Khalid also cast light on the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration and its principles as well as the setting up of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence which aims to promote religious freedom, peaceful coexistence and moderation. Bahraini Non-resident Ambassador to Spain Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa lauded deep-rooted friendly relations between Bahrain and Spain, pointing out common values shared by both countries like tolerance, mutual respect and coexistence. He also underlined Bahrain’s status as a land of religious tolerance and coexistence, pointing out openness of the Bahraini people and their rich heritage of diversity and acceptance of the other. Board of Trustees Deputy Chairman of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence and President of “This is Bahrain” Betsy Mathieson reviewed the efforts and activities of “This is Bahrain” to promote the one-family spirit among the Bahraini community and boost peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and tolerance. She affirmed that the philosophy and vision of HM the King has always underscored religious freedom. This vision, she noted, was the main inspiration to launch the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration and set up the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence.