British MP David Smith, a member of the Labour Party and the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, praised the UAE’s vital role in promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue. This statement was made during a meeting organized by Smith in London focused on enhancing religious freedoms. The gathering included prominent figures such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Bayyah, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the Anglican Church, and Lord Russell Rook, a member of the House of Lords and head of the Good Faith Partnership.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Bayyah emphasized during the meeting that this initiative represents a shared commitment between the UAE and the UK to uphold human dignity and religious freedoms, fostering understanding, solidarity, and brotherhood among followers of all faiths.
He highlighted that this gathering aligns with the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace’s significant focus on religious freedom issues, adhering to the UAE’s vision and its broad partnerships with nations including the United States, the European Union, and the Vatican.
The Sheikh noted the fruitful consensus achieved during the meeting, which opened up extensive collaborative opportunities aimed at advancing religious dialogue to reflect common human values.
In response, MP David Smith asserted that civilizational dialogue has become an urgent necessity amid rising tensions, making such initiatives crucial for steering international policies towards greater understanding and coexistence.
He added that the UK is keen to enhance cooperation with international partners, particularly the UAE, to address shared challenges that threaten global peace. He pointed out that religious dialogue serves as an effective tool to promote common human values and safeguard human dignity and religious rights.
It is noteworthy that this meeting occurred in the context of international efforts to enhance understanding between cultures and religions, and support societal dialogue aimed at achieving stability and peace worldwide amidst escalating challenges, growing hatred, and intensifying conflicts in various parts of the globe.