In the interfaith dialogue program in Nairobi, Iranian and Kenyan scholars and religious leaders examined the concept of peace and peaceful coexistence by looking at the teachings of the Quran and the Bible.

According to the Public Relations Department of the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization, in order to develop cultural diplomacy, strengthen interfaith dialogue, and expand ties with religious and cultural institutions in Kenya, Mehdi Beiki, the Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kenya, attended the interfaith dialogue program organized by the International Focolare Movement at the Mariapolis Center in Nairobi.

The program was held with the participation of scholars, religious leaders, academics, and cultural activists from various countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kenya, Italy, the Vatican, Canada, Brazil, Tanzania, Oman, Iraq, and Uganda, and provided a valuable platform for exchanging views, deepening mutual understanding, and strengthening cooperation among followers of different religions.

The program began with introductory sessions on the place of sacred texts in Islam and Christianity, and Golzar, a seminary and university professor, presented the topic of “Getting to Know the Bible in Islam” to explain the place of the Holy Quran as a source of divine guidance, ethics, and spiritual teachings in Islam.

In his speech, “Getting to Know the Bible in Christianity,” Father Patrick explained the role of the Bible in the faith, teachings, and religious life of Christians.

Hojjatoleslam Shomali, the head of the International Institute of Islamic Studies in Qom, emphasized the role of faith, spirituality, moral virtues, and connection with God in building societies based on peace, justice, and human dignity with the topic of “Theological School.”

Archbishop Piero Cuda, one of the most prominent Catholic theologians, emphasized the importance of faith, spirituality, human fraternity, and cooperation among religions in facing the contemporary challenges of the world.

Bishop Luciano, the Vatican representative in Kenya, also referred to the expansion of ways of interfaith dialogue, and considered the role of religious leaders in peacebuilding and the shared responsibility of religious communities in strengthening social solidarity important.

On the sidelines of this program, Mehdi Beiki, the Cultural Counselor of Iran in Kenya, met and discussed with Archbishop Piero Kuda, the Vatican representative, and a number of religious and cultural figures of Kenya.

In these meetings, ways to expand joint cooperation in the field of interfaith dialogue, exchange of cultural experiences, holding scientific meetings, academic cooperation, and promoting a culture of peace and coexistence, and the existing capacities for developing communications between scientific and religious centers of the Islamic Republic of Iran and institutions affiliated with the Focolare movement and the Catholic Church were examined.