The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Baghdad International Book Fair welcomed Dr. Ahmad Fakkak Al Badrani, Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities; Dr. Ahmed Al Mubarqa, Iraq’s Minister of Youth and Sports, and Professor Dr. Ibrahim Namis Al Jubouri, Iraq’s Minister of Education; along with Dr. Waleed Al Hilli, Advisor to the Prime Minister.

This visit took place on the opening day of the 25th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair, which began today under the theme “Iraq Reads” and will continue until 22nd September.

The ministers toured the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion, where they commended the unique publications presented by “Al-Hokama Publishing,” which focus on Islamic and human thought.

They expressed their appreciation for the pioneering efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in promoting and strengthening values of tolerance and coexistence, combating extremism, terrorism, and
Islamophobia, and advancing enlightened moderate thought.

They also acknowledged the Council’s efforts to build bridges of understanding and communication between Islamic sects. This initiative is part of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue launched by the Muslim Council of Elders in response to the call of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum, which stressed the importance of reinforcing Islamic solidarity and unity, emphasizing that religious fraternity is the foundation of human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating for the first time at the Baghdad International Book Fair, in line with its mission to promote peace, foster dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of coexistence among people of different races and beliefs.

The pavilion, located in Baghdad Hall (Pavilion H2), showcases over 220 publications in five languages, including 24 new releases that address significant intellectual and cultural topics. Additionally, the pavilion is hosting a series of semina
rs and lectures featuring prominent thinkers, scholars, and academics to discuss ways to enhance dialogue and understanding among Islamic sects and to build bridges of communication, aiming for greater cooperation and unity among the various components of the Islamic nation.

Source: Emirates News Agency