January 11, 2016

OIC chief: Interfaith dialogue and understanding crucial in creating better social cohesion

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Tuesday 12 Jan 2016 - 10:02 Makkah mean time-2-4-1437

OIC chief Iyad Mandani during the conference, Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok (IINA) – Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani delivered on Monday a welcoming speech at an international symposium on promoting multiculturalism and multi-faith coexistence in Bangkok, Thailand.
In his welcoming speech, the OIC Secretary General said there are challenges in improving intercultural and interreligious relations and that the symposium and similar initiatives are crucial in creating dialogue and understanding. He also said that the OIC, despite difficulties in this sphere, strives to understand and be understood by others and also facilitate fruitful discussions.
Prominent scholars and experts from several countries attended the one-day event, entitled “International Symposium on Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence in Multicultural Societies”, held in Bangkok.
The event was held to promote interfaith cooperation through the sharing of experiences and best practices to generate better understanding among diverse faiths and cultures. It was jointly organized by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), a subsidiary organ of the OIC, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, which is an Observer state of the OIC.
During the day, Madani also met with Dr Surin Pitsuwan, former Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), who also previously served as Thai foreign minister; and Virasakdi Futrakul, Thailand’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss issues of mutual concern and ways to enhance better relations.
Discussions during the meetings revolved around interfaith and intercultural dialogue, social cohesion and improving relations between people of different backgrounds. The Secretary General is expected to meet with Thailand's Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday.
AB/IINA

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