As part of the 'Global Baku Forum: The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes'

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders meets President of East Timor and discuss importance of interfaith dialogue and role of Document on Human Fraternity in the face of global challenges

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has met the President of East Timor José Manuel Ramos-Horta to discuss the importance of interfaith dialogue and the practical application of the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity in spreading hope despite contemporary world challenges. The meeting took place as part of the 10th 'Global Baku Forum: The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes' held in the capital of Azerbaijan Baku.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam expressed his gratitude to the President of East Timor for the historic step taken by his nation in announcing the Document on Human Fraternity as a national charter, a move which was highly regarded and praised by His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.

Abdelsalam further commended the Republic of East Timor as a role model for all nations around the world in terms of applying tolerance and coexistence, as well as for supporting initiatives that promote human fraternity among the youth. He also indicated that the Muslim Council of Elders and the Republic of East Timor will cooperate in the future to promote and spread the values of peace and coexistence.

The President of East Timor, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the Muslim Council of Elders' contributions to world peace and the development of interreligious understanding in Asia. Ramos-Horta emphasized the urgent need for the world to step up efforts for peace, respect, and understanding through dialogue between various cultures and religions while disseminating the wisdom and advice of religious leaders. He also praised the United Arab Emirates' support for programs that promote tolerance, peace, and fraternity across the world.

President Ramos-Horta also praised the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity and the global status it has achieved while expressing his gratitude for being a member of the award's judging panel in its 2021 edition. He pointed to the wise vision that inspired him, which came from the human values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose name and legacy the award bears.