Head of states greet participants of 'CIS Muslims for peace and sustainable development' conference

An important condition for peace and harmony in our religious community is combining the positive efforts of Muslim communities, their actual interaction with government agencies and international organisations, Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee Sergei Lebedev said at the international scientific and practical conference entitled 'CIS Muslims for peace and sustainable development' in Baku.

"For several years the forum has been a significant event in strengthening the interaction of the Islamic communities of the Commonwealth. It is aimed at enhancing inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue and promotes mutual understanding between the people of the CIS," Lebedev said.

He said the people of our countries are united by a great historical past with spiritual and cultural traditions.

"Therefore, we have a good basis to work together to promote peace and harmony in our common home. We are confident this conference will aim at achieving these goals," he said.

According to Lebedev, the CIS Executive Committee fully supports the plans and intentions of the Muslims of the Commonwealth to promote peace and stability and is willing to cooperate in this direction.

The event is being attended by representatives of religious confessions in Azerbaijan, members of government and parliament, representatives of scientific and cultural intelligentsia and diplomatic missions accredited to Azerbaijan.

***
It is necessary to consistently reject religious fanaticism and attempts to pervert the moral foundations of Islam based on charity, mutual aid and tolerance, Russian President Vladimir Putin's message addressed to participants and guests of the international scientific and practical conference entitled 'CIS Muslims for peace and sustainable development' held in Baku on Tuesday, says.

"There are millions of followers of Islam in the CIS countries, and it is important that Muslim organisations have an active dialogue and make a significant contribution to strengthening mutual understanding between people of different nationalities, and religions and along with representatives of other traditional faiths, implement claimed charitable projects. Such activities are fully in the interests of the socio-economic development of our countries and the consolidation of society", according to the message of the President of the Russian Federation, which was read at the conference by Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Vladimir Dorokhin.

The forum agenda includes such topical issues as protection of moral and cultural values, religious feelings of citizens and opposition to extremism and radicalism. An open and lively discussion of these issues is demanded and opportune, the message says.

"I am convinced that a constructive and meaningful discussion at the conference will contribute to further development of age old traditions of friendship and tolerance in the Eurasian region and strengthen spiritual ties between the Islamic communities of the CIS and abroad", according to the message of the President of the Russian Federation.

The event is being attended by representatives of religious confessions in Azerbaijan, members of government and parliament, representatives of scientific and cultural intelligentsia and diplomatic missions accredited to Azerbaijan.

***

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated Azerbaijan on the opening of the international scientific and practical conference entitled 'CIS Muslims for peace and sustainable development'.

The president's greetings to the delegates of the conference being held in Baku were delivered by the Ambassador of Belarus to Azerbaijan Nikolay Patskevich.

"In these difficult times the strengthening of traditional values and establishment of a civil agreement are becoming increasingly important. Constructive interfaith dialogue contributes to the unity of the international community, uniting nations and people based on the principles of peace", Lukashenko's message said.

According to the President of Belarus, the conference will make a contribution to the strengthening and enhancing cooperation between religious organisations of the CIS.

In conclusion, President Lukashenko wished success and prosperity to all conference delegates.

The event is attended by representatives of religious confessions in Azerbaijan, members of the government and parliament, representatives of scientific and cultural intelligentsia and diplomatic missions accredited to Azerbaijan.

/Trend/