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Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I feel very happy to be part of this august gathering for the first time as Foreign Minister of Pakistan.
In the backdrop of growing challenges posed to inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony in various parts of the world, the Alliance of Civilization provides us a welcome forum to strengthen and synergize our efforts for inter-civilizational and inter-faith dialogue and cooperation.Indeed it will be safe to say that the AOC’s work targets the heart of the root causes of the many challenges that we face today - that of divisiveness, of fostering hatred against different cultures, different religions and which we believe is often the basis for terrorism.
I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for the briefings and the fourth annual report. We support the conclusions and future priorities outlined therein.
Pakistan is a strong supporter of activities of the Alliance. We have designated a national Focal Point for the Alliance and look forward to actively participate in the Doha forum, which we are confident would help in advancing the objectives of the Alliance.
Mr. President,
Pakistan co-sponsored ASEM inter-faith dialogue with Spain in Madrid last year. We look forward to participate in the ASEM inter-faith dialogue being held in Manila next month.
At home, we have established a new Ministry of National Harmony to promote inter-faith dialogue and harmony in the country. We have also established inter-faith harmony committees in all the districts of the country. The Committees comprise of representatives of all faiths and religions in respective areas.
We shall continue to support the Alliance and all other initiatives aimed at promoting religious and cultural tolerance, understanding and harmony in multi-cultural societies. We believe it will help the cause of peace, social cohesion and prosperity at the national, regional and international level.
I thank you.