President of Algeria’s Council of the Nation Abdelkader Bensalah received Muslim World League Chief Mohammad Al-Issa in the capital, Algiers. The two discussed moderation in Islam and how extremism was tarnishing the image of the religion with violence and terror that go against its core teachings.
Issa reiterated Islam’s indoctrinated values promoting tolerance and coexistence, and said they stand against forces seeking to distort its true image.
Later Monday, the Council of the Nation said that the meeting, also attended by the President of the Supreme Islamic Council Bouabdallah Ghulam-Allah, touched upon areas of cooperation and joint coordination.
Bensalah presented Algeria's experience in countering terrorism and revealed its historic effort exerted to restore peace and stability in the country.
For his part, the MWL chief stressed the importance of rehabilitation programs vetting Islamic scholars, saying they are the first line of defense that can tighten the noose around imposters marring the image of Islam.
Issa’s remarks also stressed the need for high-precision distinguishing when it comes to issuing fatwas, especially when it comes to public affairs.
The MWL signed a cooperation agreement with the Supreme Islamic Council of Algeria aimed at combating extremist ideology and terrorism, renouncing hate speech and violence, organizing scientific events and encouraging intellectuals and scholars to spread the values of moderation, tolerance and dialogue.
The agreement provides for the establishment of bridges of scientific and cultural cooperation through the exchange of publications, expertise and information.
Following the signing, Issa noted that the agreement also regulates cooperation between the two sides on clarifying the truth in Islam, to confront extremism and terrorism ideology and Islamophobia.
Many officials from both the MWL and Algeria’s Supreme Islamic Council attended the meetings and the signing.