Royal vision to boost tolerance, co-existence praised

Secretary General of the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA) Betsy Mathieson affirmed Bahrain's ability to draw the attention of the world under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa whose vision of tolerance and peaceful co-existence has become a main approach. 
She described Bahrain as a model to emulate both at the regional and international levels. 
Mathieson pointed out the major role of "This is Bahrain" function in projecting Bahrain worldwide and highlighting social cohesion which has ever characterized the Bahraini community. 
"Bahrain has known religious pluralism for a very long time", she said, emphasizing co-existence, tolerance and respect of the other characterizing its society. 
She told Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on the sidelines of the function in the Italian capital Rome, that all expatriate communities in Bahrain are living in harmony and peace thanks to the leadership of HM the King and visionary policy to preserve the one-family spirit in the community.

The BFEA Secretary General pointed out that "This is Bahrain" had started in London before it was held in many other countries and cities like Germany, Belgium, France, New York and Washington. 
Being currently held in Rome, she asserted that this has a great significance as the Italian capital has always been the cradle of religions and, like Bahrain, it sets an example of peaceful religious co-existence. S
he also paid tribute to HM the King for his key role in promoting peace, security, co-existence and tolerance among all religions and sects.

"We had the honour of meeting the Personal Representative of HM the King for Charity Work and Youth Affairs HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who patronized the signing of many agreements which will contribute to further highlighting Bahrain's role in various areas," she said, adding that choosing Italy as the function's destination stemmed from the fact that it is considered as a gateway to the countries in southern Europe. 
She also pointed out Italy's key role in cultural, civilizational and commercial exchange between the Arabs and Europe, in addition to being a home to Vatican City, the centre of Christianity in Europe.

Mathieson highlighted the great respect shown by the European Parliament for the efforts of HM the King to boost legislation aimed at achieving justice and equality and promoting the culture of human rights and religious freedom.