UAE envoy calls for advancing dialogue, promoting coexistence

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi has reaffirmed the commitment to mend divides, foster religious harmony and cooperation among people of all cultures and beliefs.

In a statement issued on Sunday, which was observed as the 4th International Day of Human Fraternity, the UAE envoy stated, “We celebrate the spirit of mutual respect and solidarity that binds the world communities together as one human family.”

The ambassador highlighted that the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 4 February as the ‘International Day for Human Fraternity’ annually beginning in 2021.

The initiative to observe such day was co-introduced by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, in acknowledgement of the meeting between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyib, on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi, which resulted in the signing of the ‘Document on Human fraternity for World Peace and Living Together’.

Ambassador Hamad Al Zaabi said that International Day of Human Fraternity was celebrated to recognise the valuable contributions of people of all religions and beliefs to humanity and underline the role of education in promoting tolerance and eliminating discrimination based on religion or belief.

It commends all international, regional, national, and local initiatives and efforts by religious leaders to promote inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue.

Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi said, “On this day I would commend the efforts and achievements of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity in promoting human fraternity values in communities around the world to fulfill the aspirations of the Document on Human Fraternity through Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi and Zayed Award for Human Fraternity and other youth and Women initiatives.”

The UAE ambassador concluded that human fraternity begins with advancing dialogue and promoting co-existence among religions and cultures, and encouraging tolerance, pluralistic tradition, mutual respect.

The UAE will continue to uphold these values by fostering mutual respect and ensuring robust participation by all stakeholders, including regional and international partnerships.