Several ministers of religious affairs in Islamic countries have unanimously agreed on the importance of dialogue being held by the Strategic Vision Group “Russia and the Islamic World” to bring views closer and further consolidate relations in all aspects.
Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Pakistan Noor al-Haq Qadir told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Group’s dialogue is of great importance, as all topics and areas that devote the consolidation of the relationship with Russia are being discussed.
“We count on this conference to be a bridge for the continuation and strengthening of relations,” said Qadir, thanking the Saudi leadership for preparing and organizing the forum set to boost Islamic countries’ relations with Russia.
Pakistan always stands with the policy of the Saudi leadership, headed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the steps the Kingdom takes to support Islamic countries, reaffirmed Qadir.
Qadir moved on to stress the wisdom behind holding dialogue with Russia given the important role it plays in regional and global affairs.
He noted that positive results of such meetings help defeat Islamophobia, especially in Russia, where Muslims face some degree of extremism.
Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Qoumas said that dialogue between Russia and Islamic countries is vital and matches current developments witnessed around the world.
He stressed that dialogue is essential in all aspects, especially on social, international, and regional levels.
Qoumas noted that the Islamic religion has entity, values, and basics, as it is comprehensive, contrary to what is portrayed about it, and terms of fear of Islam have no rules and have no effect on the depth of the true Islamic religion.
Regarding extremist groups, Qoumas emphasized that combating extremism comes through the comprehensive practical application of the Islamic religion in the life of the individual.
Islam is a tolerant religion that teaches how to live and how to organize the basic things in life, said the Indonesian minister.
