President of Timor-Leste Receives Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; Both Emphasize Human Fraternity's Role in Nation Building

H.E. President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste received H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, in Dili. The two sides discussed ways to enhance interfaith dialogue and promote the values of human fraternity.

President Ramos-Horta congratulated the Secretary-General on the official opening of the Council's regional branch in Southeast Asia, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. He lauded Indonesia's example in nurturing interfaith dialogue and coexistence. Furthermore, he underlined Timor-Leste's readiness to participate in the initiatives and projects carried out by the Council’s branch, all aimed at promoting human fraternity and coexistence in the Southeast Asian region. President Ramos-Horta praised the commendable initiative undertaken by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in signing the Document on Human Fraternity. He also expressed his eagerness for his forthcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates, which represents a beacon of tolerance and coexistence.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders praised the strides and measures taken by Timor-Leste under the leadership of President Ramos-Horta, especially the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity as a national charter and its incorporation into the national educational curriculum. He appreciated all endeavors aimed at the practical implementation of the noble humanitarian principles encapsulated in the document. The Secretary-General conveyed his gratitude to President Ramos-Horta for championing efforts to advance interfaith dialogue and human coexistence values, applauding President's humanitarian stances, his constant strive for peace, and his commitment to fulfilling his role and responsibilities.