Manama: A conference highlighting religious freedoms and faith will open today in Manama under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.
Themed ‘Broadening the Tent: Freedom of Religion and Belief’, the three-day event is being organised by Bahrain in co-operation with the European Union.
Leading policy and decision makers in Bahrain, the European Union and representatives of civil society will take part in the conference which aims at establishing the foundations of an organised dialogue to deepen the common understanding of freedom of religions and beliefs.
The conference also aims to promote humanitarian co-operation on the principles of pluralism and diversity to enhance respect for freedom of religion and beliefs at the regional and global levels.
An exhibition will be held on the sidelines of the conference, in which various ministries and official institutions will participate, in addition to a number of civil society institutions.
The royal patronage of the conference reflects the King’s keen interest and support in consolidating religious freedoms and human values and principles, based on respect for pluralism and the promotion of tolerance and coexistence among societies.
The conference also aims to support Bahrain’s efforts to convey its civilised message to the world as a pioneering model in the field of respect for freedoms and rights.
It will also focus on reflecting the kingdom’s keenness to strengthen the co-operation and partnership with all parties to the international community.
This is Bahrain society is organizing the conference in co-operation with the European Union Mission in Bahrain and the French Embassy.
The conference aims to elaborate a common vision for a better understanding of the history of Bahrain and the European Union and their views towards freedom of religion and belief, and to explore more opportunities to enhance constructive dialogue between the EU and the GCC countries.
It also seeks to activate channels of communication and establishing links with relevant actors on both sides, through a set of individual and collective activities associated with policy and the work of civil society.
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