An international conference on the role of interfaith dialogue in strengthening human relations and boosting global peace and stability opens in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei on Monday.

Organized by the Makkah-based Muslim World League and the Chinese Islamic Association in Taiwan, the three-day conference aims to promote a culture of dialogue, tolerance and coexistence among the followers of different religious faiths.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Turki, secretary-general of MWL, highlighted his organization’s support for interfaith dialogue, which was initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to promote world peace by reducing religious and ethnic tension.

“The MWL considers dialogue a very important tool of communication to promote understanding and cooperation among multi-faith denominations and cultures in East Asia,” said Al-Turki.

The MWL has already organized three international interfaith conferences in Madrid, Geneva and Vienna. "Islam calls for dialogue, understanding and cooperation among nations. It also encourages cooperation for the benefit of humanity," Al-Turki said. "Our world is badly in need of greater understanding and cooperation among nations. The MWL has set out a program to promote dialogue between cultural and social organizations to boost human cohesion and unity," he added.

“We hope the Taipei conference would help achieve the goals set by MWL, most importantly in introducing the Islamic principles of cooperation and coexistence, as well as spreading moral values, justice, security and peace,” the MWL chief said.

Al-Turki, who has already arrived in Taipei at the head of an MWL delegation to attend the conference, thanked King Abdullah and other Saudi leaders for their unwavering support to MWL’s programs, activities and conferences around the world.

The MWL has invited a number of renowned academics and researchers in East Asia to take part in the conference. The first session will focus on the theme “Historical reading into the relationship among the followers of religions in Southeast Asia.”

Speakers will discuss the reasons for religious tensions and conflicts in Southeast Asia, and the rights and obligations of Muslims in the region.

The second session will focus on “Common human values among the followers of religions,” where papers will be presented on related topics, including human rights in Islam and in Eastern cultures, and obstacles to coexistence.

“Together in the face of contemporary challenges,” is the theme of the third session while “Prospect of civilizational dialogue and its future” is the theme of the fourth and final session.

Speakers will also discuss important topics such as “Civilizations: From discord to reconciliation,” “The road toward the alliance of civilizations,” “Toward developing religious and civilizational dialogue,” and “The role of media in promoting cultural dialogue.”

Earlier on Sunday, Al-Turki and his delegation visited the Long Gang Mosque in Taipei and met with Muslim leaders in the city. Alhaj Ali Bau, president of the Chinese Islamic Association, welcomed Al-Turki and commended MWL’s efforts to spread the message of Islam in different parts of the world.

“We hope this visit would expand cooperation between MWL and the association, benefiting the country’s 150,000 Muslims,” Bau said. He thanked MWL for providing financial support to renovate the mosque, which was constructed in 1962.

Al-Turki expressed his organization’s readiness to cooperate with the Taiwanese government and provide necessary assistance to Muslims in the country. He urged Muslims in non-Muslim states to become a constructive factor in their societies.

“We have to establish cooperation among Muslims first to implement Islamic teachings. We should also establish good relations with non-Muslims and play an active role in our societies so that people will know how Islam changed our lives for the better,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Al-Turki as saying.

Source: http://www.iina.me