Pope's visit a symbol of human progress in tolerance: Sheikh Nahyan

Abu Dhabi - The Peace Gathering featured a series of community events, including musical performances and a film screening.

The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development organised a community event that brought together a number of officials, clerics and community leaders to celebrate humanity, fraternity and the values of tolerance, coexistence and world peace.
The Peace Gathering, held on Friday, at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi, featured a series of community events, including musical performances and film screening.
The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, and Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.
Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan said: "We celebrate the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Sheikh Ahmad Al Tayeb. This is an important cultural event that highlights the values of tolerance, cooperation and human progress that have been an important part of the UAE's development since its inception. The Pope and the Sheikh of Al Azhar are both global symbols of peace, compassion and brotherhood.
"The UAE is a country which is firmly rooted in its Arabic and Islamic beliefs and heritage. From this sound foundation, we are able to confidently and peacefully interact with those from other cultures and religions. Today's event is a continuation of our desire to better understand others, and to share our own culture with the world," he added.
Noura Al Kaabi said: "The UAE offers a unique model of peaceful coexistence between its diverse community of residents that has warranted recognition and respect. The UAE was founded on the values of justice, tolerance and acceptance of others, and we are keen to uphold these values for future generations."
Al Kaabi noted that the UAE society has never exhibited signs of intolerance or violence arising from intellectual or cultural conflict that could threaten the stability of the society. She pointed out that the proliferation of places of worship for people of different faiths is a prominent manifestation of tolerance and pluralism in the UAE, as people can freely practise their religious rituals.
Al Kaabi noted that cultural diversity is the gateway to tolerance and peaceful coexistence. It can also contribute to economic development and progress, as dialogue between cultures and civilisations contributes to strengthening the foundations of societies and building alliances that serve the future generations.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi