Manama: In a statement marking the International Day of Human Fraternity and World Interfaith Harmony Week, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, emphasized the approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in promoting human fraternity, fostering dialogue among civilizations, respecting religious and cultural diversity, and reinforcing solidarity as essential foundations for social harmony and international peace and security.
According to Bahrain News Agency, on the occasion observed annually on 4 February following a United Nations General Assembly resolution initiated jointly by the Kingdom of Bahrain and partner states, the Minister extended congratulations to His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted that the UN's adoption of this occasion reflects international confidence in Bahraini diplomacy as a catalyst for dialogue, mutual respect, and the rejection of hatred and extremism.
The Minister highlighted the significance of the occasion coinciding with key diplomatic milestones, including Bahrain's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term, its presidency of the current session of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and its active partnerships with regional and international organizations in advancing peace and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. He also referred to the national commemoration of the Year of Isa Al Kabeer, honoring the legacy of the founder of the modern Bahraini state.
Dr. Al Zayani affirmed that Bahrain continues to serve as a global example for religious and cultural coexistence, citing its high density of places of worship for different faiths relative to its geographic area, which was documented in the Guinness World Records. He underscored the Kingdom's sustained efforts to promote citizenship, justice, tolerance, and human rights through national initiatives, including the National Human Rights Plan and programs to strengthen national belonging.
He expressed appreciation for the humanitarian and educational roles of national institutions, notably the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) and the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence and Tolerance, as well as Bahrain's leadership in hosting international forums for interfaith dialogue and launching global initiatives and declarations promoting freedom of religion and belief.
The Minister further emphasized the importance of international cooperation to counter hate speech, extremism, and intolerance, reiterating Bahrain's call for an international convention to criminalize religious, sectarian, and racist hate speech, and its support for international efforts to regulate the development of artificial intelligence for the purposes of peace and global prosperity.
He concluded by affirming that, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the guidance of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom of Bahrain will continue to advance its humanitarian and civilizational role as a beacon of tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence, contributing to a more just, secure, and prosperous world.