KUWAIT: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi affirmed on Sunday that GCC nations are making significant strides in addressing Islamophobia, underscoring that Islam is a faith rooted in love, tolerance, and understanding. He emphasized that Islam promotes peace, coexistence, and respect for cultural and religious diversity. In a statement marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Al-Budaiwi reiterated that joint Gulf declarations at all levels consistently advocate for strengthening dialogue, fostering mutual respect among cultures and peoples, and rejecting all forms of hatred and extremism.

Highlighting the GCC’s initiatives in this regard, he pointed to a proposal for the establishment of a Gulf scientific observatory dedicated to countering extremism. This initiative, he said, represents a crucial step in promoting the true essence of Islam and countering hate-driven narratives. Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC states’ unwavering stance against terrorism in all its forms, rejecting any justification for such acts while committing to eliminating their financial sources and supporting global counterterrorism efforts. He stressed that tolerance and coexistence are fundamental principles of GCC societies, deeply embedded in their interactions with other nations and cultures. — KUNA