Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence (KHGC), welcomed Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, the former Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and the United Nations at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed reaffirmed Bahrain's dedication, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to promoting tolerance, interfaith and cultural dialogue, and international understanding. These efforts aim to serve the objectives of global peace and prosperity.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed also emphasized the longstanding ties and expanding strategic partnership between Bahrain and the UK. This relationship is particularly evident in their joint efforts to support peace, encourage dialogue among civilizations, and counter extremism and hatred.
The Chairman further detailed the KHGC's mission, which is inspired by His Majesty's humanitarian vision and the government's approach led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted the centre's initiatives such as the King Hamad Leadership for Peaceful Coexistence Programme, developed in collaboration with Faith in Leadership and the 1928 Institute at Oxford University, which aims to empower young Bahraini leaders to promote peace.
In response, Lord Tariq Ahmad praised Bahrain's initiatives and the KHGC's efforts to promote values of tolerance, respect for freedom of religion, and collaboration with British institutions to uphold shared human values. He expressed his wishes for Bahrain's continued success.
The meeting was also attended by Abdullah Isa Al Mannai, Executive Director of the KHGC.