-Hina Rabbani Khar represents Pakistan at UNAOC’s 9th Global Forum in Morocco
-Meets Saudi Arabia’s, Portuguese top Diplomats over bilateral ties
-Discusses ways to enhance Pakistan-Portugal collaboration in diverse fields
By Our Diplomatic
Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar on Wednesday stressed the importance of continued and robust inter-religious, inter-civilizational and inter-faith dialogue as a ‘catalyst to promote peaceful co-existence, mutual understanding, and harmony’.
She was addressing the 9th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), being hosted by Morocco’s city of Fez from November 22-23.
The Minister of State articulated Pakistan’s perspective and concerns about the growing problem of religious intolerance, discrimination, Islamophobia and violence worldwide.
She particularly drew attention towards the state-driven discrimination, hostility and phobia directed against Muslims and Islam, and the ensuing climate of impunity for such heinous acts. She urged that given its pervasive and widely documented impacts, it was time for the international community and the United Nations to formulate an action plan to meaningfully address the insidious phenomenon of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred.
The UN Alliance of Civilizations was created in 2005 in response to tensions between the Muslim world and the West in the aftermath of 9/11. One of its core objectives is to advance mutual respect for all cultures, traditions and religious beliefs.
The 9th Forum is being held under the overarching theme of ‘Towards an Alliance of Peace: Living Together as One Humanity’. As member of the UNAOC Group of Friends, Pakistan has been actively contributing in advancing the Alliance’s mandate.
Meanwhile, Hina Rabbani Khar met Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Waleed El Khereiji on the sidelines of the 9th Global Forum of UNAOC in the Moroccan city of Fez.
During the meeting, the two sides besides exchanging views on important issues reaffirmed fraternal Pakistan-Saudi ties and expressed keenness to expand multi-sectoral partnerships.
The Minister of State also congratulated Saudi Arabia on the historic win in the FIFA World Cup match, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a twitter post.
Khar also met Portuguese Foreign Minister Joao Cravinho to discuss ways to enhance Pakistan-Portugal collaboration in diverse fields, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a twitter post.
The Minister of State and the Portuguese Foreign Minister also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Spokesperson added.
