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Conference in New York on Civilization Interaction between US, Muslim World | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Muslim World League Secretary-General Mohammed bin Abdulkarim al-Issa. SPA


New York- Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Sheikh Dr. Mohammed al-Issa called for fighting Islamophobia, racism and hatred against foreigners through the adoption of a comprehensive methodology for dialogue between the US and Muslim nations.

His speech was delivered during the opening ceremony of the international conference organized by the Muslim World League and titled “Civilization Interaction between the US and Muslim World.”

Issa said that civilized interaction between the Islamic world and the United States has a long history of exchange and cooperation of humanitarian, knowledge-based, economic and political issues. “This distinguished civilized relationship over the years has revealed the grave error of the Clash of Civilizations theory that was based on stirring up hatred and racism and erecting imaginary barriers,” Issa added.

“What is important is our understanding of the need for co-existence and cooperation in the light of this understanding to serve not just mutual interests, but to also serve humanity, to promote social peace and intellectual security and to defeat evil,” he continued.

Dr. Yousef al-Othaimeen, the secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said the OIC firmly believes in the importance of dialogue and communication in promoting mutual respect and understanding.

Chief Imam of the Two Holy Mosques Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sudais highlighted importance of activating channels aimed at spreading the good, and to face terrorism and extremism promoters.

For his part, Secretary-General for the World Council of Religious Leaders Dr. Bawa Jain said that the “process requires moving from a stage of accepting the other to respecting the other.”

Dr. William F. Vendley, UN Secretary General of the World Council of Religious Leaders, stated that great civilizations evolve from great religions and this is a mutual factor between the US and the Islamic world.

Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohammed Matar al-Kaabi also delivered a speech, stressing the importance of exchanging opinion and expertise on positive and effective communication between the US and the Islamic world.