Interfaith dialogue main thrust of ministerial meet in RP - GMA

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine initiative of interfaith dialogue will be the main thrust of the special ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Manila before yearend, President Arroyo said yesterday.

Speaking at the opening session of the 15th NAM summit at the Maritime Congress Center in the resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, Mrs. Arroyo said the special meeting was Asia’s contribution to the NAM’s efforts to end violence and push peace.

“The meeting will mark the first time that the NAM will harness the great potential of interfaith dialogue and cooperation to advance secular concerns for durable and lasting peace and sustainable development,” she said.

“This meeting will give representatives of 100 NAM countries an opportunity to focus on the role interfaith dialogue and cooperation can play in averting and ending the conflicts that are bringing death and destruction to countries around the world.

“We must intensify our collective efforts to enhance equity, democracy, inclusiveness, rule of law and justice in our international systems. Giving just recognition to different approaches based on different national capacities among us serve to strengthen our solidarity as a strong voice in the world today.”

After arriving at Sharm El-Sheikh airport at 9 p.m. Tuesday (2 a.m. Wednesday Manila time), Mrs. Arroyo immediately proceeded to the Savoy Hotel where she was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Oscar Valenzuela and Leslie Gatan, Philippine deputy permanent representative to the United Nations – Paolo Romero