Italian President Sergio Mattarella has met with Muslim World League (MWL) Secretary-General and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa who thanked him on his support for the two-state solution.
During the meeting at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Thursday, they discussed various topics related to the role of religious engagement in supporting global peace efforts and strengthening international friendships, emphasizing that many historical conflicts have been rooted in misinterpretations of religious teachings.
Al-Issa highlighted that Islam advocates for understanding among nations and peoples, respect for human dignity, and peaceful coexistence, referencing key principles from the Medina Charter and the Charter of Makkah.
He expressed gratitude to Mattarella for his just stance on the Palestinian cause, particularly his support for the two-state solution as an essential path to peace.
Al-Issa further noted the deep religious and intellectual awareness among the Italian Muslim community, which he said reflects the true essence of Islam. He praised their strong sense of national identity, respect for the constitution, and exemplary integration within Italian society under the principles of inclusive citizenship, while maintaining religious distinctiveness.
Mattarella commended the MWL’s efforts under Al-Issa’s leadership to promote religious and cultural peace. He also praised Islamic values and reaffirmed that extremism, regardless of its origin, does not represent the civilizational values advocated by religions.
