‘Promoting tolerance and coexistence defeats extremism’: Crown Prince

Manama : Bahrain’s long-standing commitment to upholding the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect hogged the limelight in a meeting yesterday.

It came to the fore during a meeting between Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa,  and the General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America, The Rev. Dr. Tom De Vries, and his accompanying delegation, at Riffa Palace.

During the meeting, the Crown Prince stressed that the principles had helped strengthen Bahrain’s diversity. “They are underpinned by His Majesty King Hamad’s development programme, which reinforces Bahrain’s place as a nation of peace and multiculturalism.” 

Prince Salman said that the openness of Bahrain’s people is enshrined in the Kingdom’s traditions and reflects citizens’ commitment to the peaceful values of Islam.

HRH Crown Prince and Dr. De Vries discussed the contribution that religion can make in promoting peace and resolving conflict. The Crown Prince emphasised that Bahrain recognises religion’s role as a major component of promoting tolerance across the region and defeating extremist ideologies.

Meanwhile, he praised the efforts of the American Mission Hospital in providing high quality health care to the Kingdom’s citizens and residents since the start of the last century. “It’s testament to the long-standing ties and cooperation between Bahrain and the United States.”

Dr. De Vries highlighted Bahrain’s achievements in promoting peace and tolerance.

Shaikh Mohamed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the American Mission Hospital’s Board of Directors, also attended the meeting.