MWL Chief Says Hatred, Racism Threatening Int’l Peace

MWL chief Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa speaks at on online seminar organized by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall. (SPA)
MWL chief Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa speaks at on online seminar organized by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall. (SPA)
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MWL Chief Says Hatred, Racism Threatening Int’l Peace

MWL chief Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa speaks at on online seminar organized by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall. (SPA)
MWL chief Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa speaks at on online seminar organized by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall. (SPA)

The Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall on Tuesday hosted the Muslim World League (MWL) chief, Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, at an online seminar that was attended by over a 1,000 personalities concerned with interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Kim McCleary Blue, president of the World Affairs Council, praised the efforts of the MWL in promoting a culture of dialogue and cooperation between followers of different religions and cultures.

Al-Issa, in his speech at the seminar, stressed the need to promote dialogue between the East and the West to bridge the gap among different communities, cultures and civilizations.

The MWL chief blamed the trust deficit between different communities for violence. He explained the Islamic concept of moderation and its importance to promote global peace and harmony.

Al-Issa highlighted the efforts of the MWL in forging ties with several religious organizations around the world to spread its message of peace and coexistence.

The MWL, according to Al-Issa, focuses on overcoming negative differences between followers of different faiths and sects. This has enabled it to conceive and realize the Makkah Declaration in 2019, which was approved by 1,200 scholars from 139 countries representing 27 Islamic sects.

On the topic of women in Islam, Al-Issa said that Muslim women always enjoyed a prominent position since the beginning of Islam and any violation of their rights are against the basic teachings of the religion.

He said armed struggle against terrorism and the deviant ideology is not enough. Al-Issa stressed the need to combat the extremist narrative using intellectual means to root it out from the world.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic affecting the whole world, Al-Issa reaffirmed the great importance of unity when facing collective threats, noting that “epidemics, such as terrorism, do not know international borders and do not provide any immunity to any religion, race or belief.”

“Racism, hatred and the domination of material interests at the expense of justice and values are the biggest threat to the peace of our world and the harmony of our societies,” he warned.

Al-Issa urged international cooperation on building a safer and more prosperous world for future generations.



Oman: Sovereignty, Freedom of Navigation Cannot Be Achieved Through Hostile Policies

Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
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Oman: Sovereignty, Freedom of Navigation Cannot Be Achieved Through Hostile Policies

Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)

Oman has inaugurated the 8th Indian Ocean Conference under the theme “A Voyage Towards New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.” The event gathered ministers, officials, experts, and specialists in maritime, economic, and diplomatic affairs from around the world, with representatives from 60 countries and international organizations.

In his opening speech, Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said that partnerships among Indian Ocean nations go beyond maritime issues to include energy, technology, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to promoting dialogue, respecting multilateralism, and focusing on common ground rather than divisions.

He stressed that cooperation is the only way to ensure security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean, asserting that maritime sovereignty and freedom of navigation cannot be achieved through hostile policies or military force but through constructive engagement and collaboration. He also highlighted the need for nations of the Global South to speak with a unified voice to enhance maritime security and address shared challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crime.

The conference, organized by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the India Foundation and supported by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, aims to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean nations while strengthening regional cooperation in maritime, economic, and security affairs.

Al Busaidi said: “The Indian Ocean is not just a body of water; it is an economic lifeline, a platform for exchange, and a bridge for communication and friendship. We share a collective responsibility to address issues such as protecting the marine environment, ensuring freedom of navigation, and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities against climate change. This conference presents an opportunity to explore the ocean’s untapped potential.”

He further explained that Oman’s economic vision is centered on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, particularly in blue economy sectors, port infrastructure, and logistics services. He expressed hope that the conference would contribute to developing sustainable strategies that benefit all.

Al Busaidi reaffirmed Oman’s belief that all nations are partners in achieving shared security and prosperity, stressing the Sultanate’s commitment to fostering an inclusive partnership in the Indian Ocean that ensures fair opportunities for all, both in the North and the South.

Over two days, the conference will explore the opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean nations, with a focus on maritime trade, renewable energy, maritime security, and technological innovation.