LONDON, 2nd November, 2017 (WAM) — Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah, President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, has met with Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, in London.

In his speech, Welby welcomed Sheikh bin Bayyah and his delegation while praising the efforts of the Forum to promote peace and the culture of co-existence among religions, as well as to combat extremism caused by psychological and social factors and ignorance and misunderstandings about religion.

Sheikh bin Bayyah thanked Welby for the invitation while expressing his appreciation for his efforts and ideas, which contributed to facilitating dialogue on co-existence and co-operation among religions.

He also spoke about the Forum’s efforts to promote peace and dialogue while noting that its compassionate approach began when Abu Dhabi adopted the values of moderation and tolerance and became determined to combat extremism, through clear and realistic steps.

He also introduced the scientific projects that were organised by the Forum, with the UAE’s generous support and patronage, to apply its vision, most notably the Peace Encyclopaedia, which will discuss concepts that were originally intended to promote peace, but were used by those with extremist ideologies to justify their actions.

Dr. Mohammed Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Forum and Director-General of the Al Muwatta Islamic Research Centre, delivered the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Al Kaabi highlighted the Forum’s global role in searching for common values between the Abrahamic religions, as well as the role of the UAE and its efforts to raise future generations in the culture of tolerance, through the centre’s Emirati Scholars Development Programme.

He also spoke about the UAE’s policy to manage its religious affairs, as well as its efforts to organise and control the fatwa, to prevent the loose interpretations that cause chaos and destruction.