Bangkok--Jun 6--MFA
On 4 June 2008, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, together with his Dutch counterpart, Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen, attended the opening session of the Fourth ASEM Interfaith Dialogue Meeting. Held in Amsterdam, the Meeting’s theme was “Interfaith Dialogue in Practice: Sharing Best Practices”.
In his opening remarks, the Foreign Minister underscored the need to search for approaches to nurture and encourage mutual respect for religious and cultural diversity, for tolerance and, ultimately, for a culture of peace. He stressed the need to translate our dialogue into action, including how to implement interfaith dialogue in concrete terms, how to spread constructive ideas, wisdoms and experiences we share and how to put them to good use.
In this connection, the Foreign Minister recounted Thailand’s own experiences where Thais of all religions and ethic mixes have always lived peacefully side-by-side. Indeed, freedom to follow any religion or faith has been guaranteed by law since the Proclamation of Religious Toleration in 1878. Importantly, His Majesty the King of Thailand is also the patron of all major faiths in the country.
Be that as it may, Thailand does face some challenges in Southern Thailand where cultural differences have at times been exploited by intolerant elements. To address this problem, the Royal Thai Government has been pursuing a policy of reconciliation based on His Majesty the King’s approach — to “understand, reach out and develop” As part of his speech, the Foreign Minister also underlined a number of points. First, political, religious and community leaders have a key role to play in promoting respect for cultural diversity and freedom of religion and faith. Second, promoting interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding requires a multi-stakeholder partnership. Third, there is a continued need to disseminate correct interpretation of principles and teachings of our respective religions and faiths, while also promoting respect for other religions and faiths. Fourth, focus must be given to our youth through education and extra-curricular activities to instil love, forgiveness and compassion. In this connection, Thailand will host this September the ASEM Interfaith Cultural Youth Camp Project for ASEM partners. And fifth, use must be made of available technological assets to support interfaith dialogue. Through such tools as satellite broadcasting and the Internet, people can stay in touch and have access to accurate and timely information that should help them understand each other better.
Fourth, focus must be given to our youth through education and extra-curricular activities to instill love, forgiveness and compassion. In this connection, Thailand will host this September the ASEM Interfaith Cultural Youth Camp Project for ASEM partners. And fifth, use must be made of available technological assets to support interfaith dialogue. Through such tools as satellite broadcasting and the Internet, people can stay in touch and have access to accurate and timely information that should help them understand each other better.
The Minister concluded by urging the Meeting to turn its dialogue into concrete action and produce a constructive outcome to foster “Unity in Diversity” in today’s multifaceted and challenging world.
On the preceding night, the Foreign Minister also hosted a welcoming dinner for participants attending the Meeting, featuring Thai food and cultural performances.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-
On 4 June 2008, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, together with his Dutch counterpart, Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen, attended the opening session of the Fourth ASEM Interfaith Dialogue Meeting. Held in Amsterdam, the Meeting’s theme was “Interfaith Dialogue in Practice: Sharing Best Practices”.
In his opening remarks, the Foreign Minister underscored the need to search for approaches to nurture and encourage mutual respect for religious and cultural diversity, for tolerance and, ultimately, for a culture of peace. He stressed the need to translate our dialogue into action, including how to implement interfaith dialogue in concrete terms, how to spread constructive ideas, wisdoms and experiences we share and how to put them to good use.
In this connection, the Foreign Minister recounted Thailand’s own experiences where Thais of all religions and ethic mixes have always lived peacefully side-by-side. Indeed, freedom to follow any religion or faith has been guaranteed by law since the Proclamation of Religious Toleration in 1878. Importantly, His Majesty the King of Thailand is also the patron of all major faiths in the country.
Be that as it may, Thailand does face some challenges in Southern Thailand where cultural differences have at times been exploited by intolerant elements. To address this problem, the Royal Thai Government has been pursuing a policy of reconciliation based on His Majesty the King’s approach — to “understand, reach out and develop” As part of his speech, the Foreign Minister also underlined a number of points. First, political, religious and community leaders have a key role to play in promoting respect for cultural diversity and freedom of religion and faith. Second, promoting interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding requires a multi-stakeholder partnership. Third, there is a continued need to disseminate correct interpretation of principles and teachings of our respective religions and faiths, while also promoting respect for other religions and faiths. Fourth, focus must be given to our youth through education and extra-curricular activities to instil love, forgiveness and compassion. In this connection, Thailand will host this September the ASEM Interfaith Cultural Youth Camp Project for ASEM partners. And fifth, use must be made of available technological assets to support interfaith dialogue. Through such tools as satellite broadcasting and the Internet, people can stay in touch and have access to accurate and timely information that should help them understand each other better.
Fourth, focus must be given to our youth through education and extra-curricular activities to instill love, forgiveness and compassion. In this connection, Thailand will host this September the ASEM Interfaith Cultural Youth Camp Project for ASEM partners. And fifth, use must be made of available technological assets to support interfaith dialogue. Through such tools as satellite broadcasting and the Internet, people can stay in touch and have access to accurate and timely information that should help them understand each other better.
The Minister concluded by urging the Meeting to turn its dialogue into concrete action and produce a constructive outcome to foster “Unity in Diversity” in today’s multifaceted and challenging world.
On the preceding night, the Foreign Minister also hosted a welcoming dinner for participants attending the Meeting, featuring Thai food and cultural performances.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-