RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council states are taking important steps to combat Islamophobia, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said, highlighting that Islam promotes love, tolerance, peace, coexistence, and respect for cultural and religious diversity.
Albudaiwi made this statement on International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
All joint Gulf statements stress the importance of promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and rejecting hatred and extremism, he added.
These statements also urge international efforts to promote religious tolerance, dialogue, coexistence, and condemn offensive remarks against Islam, Muslims, and Islamic civilization. They call for countering all forms of hatred, intolerance, and misrepresentation of religions, Albudaiwi added.
He highlighted GCC efforts, including the proposal to establish a GCC Scientific Observatory to Combat Extremism through the Committee of Ministers of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in GCC countries.
This initiative aims to enhance Islam’s true image and counter hate campaigns, Albudaiwi added.
He reaffirmed the GCC’s firm stance against terrorism and extremism, rejecting all forms of these threats and any justifications behind them.
The GCC chief also emphasized the commitment to combating terrorist financing and supporting international counterterrorism efforts.
Albudaiwi said that terrorism is not linked to any religion, culture, nationality, or ethnicity, and that tolerance and coexistence are core values in GCC societies, as shown by their interactions with others.
He condemned all acts of terrorism, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and rejecting harm to civilians and civilian facilities such as schools, places of worship, and hospitals.
Albudaiwi urged continued international and regional cooperation to confront terrorist groups and sectarian militias that threaten security and stability.
