Foreign Minister marks International Day of Peaceful Coexistence

Manama, Jan. 28 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, commended the diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

He noted that those initiatives are aimed at promoting peace, tolerance, coexistence, and respect for cultural and religious diversity, fostering human dignity and international solidarity as key to building secure, sustainable, and prosperous societies.

Dr. Al Zayani congratulated His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the occasion of the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.

The International Day of Peaceful Coexistence was adopted by the UN General Assembly under Resolution 269/79 issued on 4 March 2025, in response to an initiative proposed by the Kingdom of Bahrain through the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance.

The Foreign Minister added that Bahrain’s ongoing royal initiatives, including the Bahrain Declaration on Freedom of Religion and Belief, international conferences on dialogue among civilisations, and awards promoting tolerance and empowerment, have strengthened the Kingdom’s reputation as a beacon of openness and religious freedom. He also highlighted Bahrain’s efforts to combat hate speech and promote peace, in addition to His Majesty’s proposal calling for launching a global convention to criminalise religious and all forms of hate speech, and support promoting a culture of peace.

The Minister underscored the role of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance highlighting its educational programmes and community outreach efforts that empower youth and promote understanding across cultures and faiths, helping to prevent conflict and counter extremism.

Dr. Al Zayani affirmed Bahrain’s commitment to its humanitarian mission, driven by the vision of His Majesty the King and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He underscored Bahrain’s active role in promoting just and lasting peace, dialogue to resolve disputes and building bridges of mutual respect and understanding; placing peaceful coexistence as a basis for a world where humanity thrives in peace, dignity and prosperity. He added that these principles align with the Kingdom’s National Human Rights Plan, Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, and with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.