KHGC, IRF Secretariat discuss religious freedom cooperation

Washington, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence (KHGC), met with Nadine Maenza, the President of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat and former Chairperson of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Dr. Shaikh Abdulla underscored Bahrain's commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to enhance international cooperation in spreading the values of respect, dialogue and peaceful coexistence to establish security, peace, prosperity and sustainability. The meeting reviewed cooperation and the exchange of expertise in promoting understanding and human fraternity through educational, training and awareness programmes. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla emphasised the Kingdom's commitment to further strengthen cooperation with governments, parliamentary, educational, cultural and civil society institutions in supporting human solidarity. He highlig hted the efforts of the centre in implementing its educational programmes and initiatives, aimed at building bridges of understanding and civilised dialogue, promoting a culture of respect for religious and cultural diversity, and fostering acceptance of others for the benefit of humanity. The chairman emphasised the importance of the international community's response, given the current circumstances and tensions, to HM the King's call for the adoption of an international agreement to criminalise religious, sectarian, and racial hate speech. He also highlighted the positive reception of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister's initiative for the establishment of an international treaty to regulate and govern the development of artificial intelligence, ensuring its role in promoting peace and stimulating innovation rather than exacerbating conflicts. On her part, Maenza commended Bahrain's efforts and initiatives as an international partner in consecratin g the values of peace and human brotherhood and rejecting extremism and hatred. She underscored her commitment to collaborative efforts in promoting religious and intellectual freedoms, aimed at fostering a more interconnected, peaceful, and prosperous world. The meeting was attended by Dr. Alsadig Omer Khalafalla, a member of the Board of KHGC Source: Bahrain News Agency