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Abu Dhabi /Â WAM
Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of State for Tolerance, and Ahmed Tomasz Miskiewicz, Grand Mufti of Poland and head of the Muslim Religious Association, met in Dubai on Sunday to discuss the UAE’s National Tolerance Programme as well as co-operation between their two countries in promoting global tolerance.
The programme builds on the values of Islam, the Constitution, the legacy left behind by the founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Emirati values, international charters, common sense as well as common human values.
During the meeting, the duo further discussed the progamme’s pillars, including strengthening the government’s role as an incubator of tolerance, consolidating the family’s role in nation building, promoting tolerance among youth and steering them away from extremism, enriching scientific and
cultural content, and integrating international efforts to
promote tolerance.
The UAE’s foreign relations are based on the national principles of mutual respect, co-operation, philanthropy and peace, Sheikha Lubna said, while stressing that Islam seeks to promote tolerance and co-existence.
The UAE pursues an approach of moderation and treats all people without discrimination, regardless of their gender, race, colour, faith, sect, social status or ethnic origin, she added.
The leadership and people of the UAE are keen on promoting tolerance and co-existence and continue to make humanitarian efforts that benefit humanity through development and charity projects supporting people in need and distress.
The total number of Muslims in Poland is estimated at some 45,000, representing a continuous presence of Islam in the European country, where their ancestors arrived in the 14th century and were asked by the king to help protect Poland from tsarist Russia’s attacks, the Polish Grand Mufti said.
He lauded the UAE’s efforts to promote the true Islam and religious moderation at a regional and international level, while supporting Muslims in Europe to integrate into society and co-operate with followers of other faiths to achieve
co-existence and promote
cultural diversity.
The Constitution of Poland recognises Islam as a heavenly religion and preserves the right of Muslims to perform their religious rituals, he noted.
Islam, the Polish Grand Mufti said, arrived in Poland in a peaceful manner and Muslims settled in the country in a peaceful manner.
Two mosques built in the 17th and 19th centuries in Poland are now part of the country’s national heritage and culture, he added.