President Ma expressed hope that the conference, being attended by delegates from 14 countries, would contribute to promoting understanding and cooperation among the followers of different faiths.

He described Islam as a religion of peace that calls for equality and justice. “There are more than 200,000 Muslims in Taiwan who perform their religious rituals with freedom,” the president said.

Ma commended the role of Chinese Islamic Association in enlightening Muslims about their religion and for teaching them the Qur’an and Arabic.

Addressing the opening session, MWL Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Turki emphasized the importance of dialogue among various cultural and religious groups to remove misunderstanding and promote mutual understanding and cooperation.

Al-Turki highlighted the role of Muslims in enriching human civilization and noted their contributions to science, art and literature. “Islam encourages Muslims to have peaceful coexistence with other communities.”

The MWL chief denounced the move to tarnish the image of Islam and Muslims by demonizing them. He underscored the MWL’s efforts to spread the message of Islam all over the world.

He noted the positive response received by the interfaith dialogue call made by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah from international cultural and faith-based organizations.