Bahrain, Manama, 3-4 November 2022
On 4 November 2022, the Bahrain Forum for dialogue under the theme “East and West for Peaceful Coexistence” concluded in Manama. The Forum was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, with the participation of His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Vatican, as part of his historic visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, and His Excellency the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, and over 30 distinguished intellectual and religious speakers from 79 countries.
The two-day Forum at the Sheikh Isa Cultural Centre discussed the importance of inter-confessional dialogue and peaceful coexistence, as well as the role of religious figures and scholars in addressing modern challenges, such as climate change and global food crisis, promotion of global coexistence and human brotherhood, as well as experience exchange in these areas.
The participants stressed the importance of this international event aimed at promoting values of tolerance and the concept of human coexistence among human communities, as well as the need for work and partnership for humanity through dialogue and efficient communication between different religions.
It was noted that the important role of the Forum in gathering outstanding experience and enlightened thought on coexistence between peoples and religions would contribute to the humanitarian mission of protecting the rights of all people and preserving their dignity. In addition to it, the hope was expressed that the Forum would shape an approach that could be adopted by various countries around the world in their practices, legislation and policies.
The participants welcomed the announcement of the King Hamad International Prize for Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence, which demonstrates His Majesty’s desire to promote human brotherhood and dialogue among peoples and cultures in peace, as well as His Majesty’s unlimited support for the use of instruments of good and opportunities to bring people together without discrimination for dignity of nations and peoples. The Kingdom of Bahrain’s desire to emphasize the principles of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between everybody while the world is facing challenges due to the variety of innovative initiatives was also highly appreciated.
The Forum participants expressed their gratitude to the King of the country, may Allah bless him, for organizing and supporting this Forum, for kindness and hospitality they witnessed. They also expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the efforts and successful Forum-dialogue which brought together over 200 personalities, leaders and representatives of religions from around the world who formed a united voice calling for peace.
The closing session was held at Martyr’s Memorial Square in Sahir Palace in the presence of all the participants. His Majesty the King of Bahrain, may Allah bless him, delivered a speech in which he highlighted the importance of international partnership based on diplomatic dialogue and peaceful means as a starting point to end wars and disputes and in particular to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. His Eminence the Grand Imam, the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Council of Muslim Elders, also addressed the audience. He pointed out the need for serious dialogue in the name of unity of peace to confront the challenges facing Muslim peoples. His Eminence the Pope, in his turn, called for a halt to the Russian-Ukrainian war in order to spare the blood of the innocent, raise the banner of peace and begin serious peace negotiations.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan