Doha: The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, chaired the tenth meeting of Their Excellencies the Ministers Responsible for Islamic Affairs and Endowments in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, held at Sheraton Hotel Doha on Sunday.

The opening session was chaired by HE Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem with the participation of Their Excellencies the ministers of the GCC states.

HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani represented the State of Qatar in the presence of HE Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.

During his speech at the meeting, HE Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem emphasized that these meetings and gatherings embody and consolidate the meanings and feelings of fraternity, affection and the firm ties of the GCC countries and peoples under the leadership of Their Majesties a
nd Highnesses, leaders of the GCC countries, under their sincere vision, wise, and rational directives.

His Excellency said that the tenth meeting is a continuation of the fraternal meetings that confirm and consolidate the paths of joint work and collective cooperation, especially since the agendas of the meetings are always full of important, diverse, and qualitative topics, resulting in projects and programs that support joint work and motivate the GCC countries to anticipate more, within the framework of constructive and fruitful cooperation in religious affairs, which is one of the most important components of the great Gulf work in the diversity of its specializations and fields, in addition to highlighting the sincere efforts and authentic roles of the Ministries of Islamic and Religious Affairs as a visible and tangible reality in the Gulf societies aiming to instill and spread religious and moral values and principles that enhance the stability and security of homelands and peoples.

His Excellency
stressed the importance of highlighting the true image of Islam, confronting campaigns of hatred and fanaticism, proving the ability to interact positively and rationally with contemporary changes and developments locally and globally, and exerting effort and ability to modernize and develop the work system of the institutions using all available contemporary means and mechanisms that can be accessed and dealt with.

His Excellency indicated that these periodic meetings at all levels continue what has been previously achieved and accomplished by increasing coordination and cooperation between the GCC ministries in similar fields and specializations such as endowments, mosques, advocacy, research and related studies, and others, in addition to special and qualitative topics such as caring for people with disabilities, protecting the family, caring for archaeological and historical mosques, and contributing an effective role in protecting and caring for the environment and other related and influential incident
s and developments in life, for which the GCC ministries find theoretical and practical scientific solutions within the specializations of the ministries.

HE the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs added that the GCC ministries look forward with all awareness and understanding to work and interact positively and effectively on the issues of Islam and Muslims, foremost among which is the issue of occupied Palestine, the city of Jerusalem and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the natural and safe right to access it and pray in it at all times, and to denounce and reject the repeated systematic attacks to destroy or disrupt life and oppress the people of Palestine and the city of Jerusalem, and then the tragedy of the Gaza Strip.

His Excellency pointed out that a full year has passed since the brutal aggression, and the resulting systematic destruction and killing without discrimination, with all brutality and horror, and without the slightest limit of humanity and rationality, as well as what is happenin
g in the West Bank and Lebanon, which necessitates advocacy and lifting injustice and suffering in word and deed, and achieving comprehensive and just peace, before hopes for it diminish with the loss of its few and rare opportunities, or its loss completely.

HE Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem praised the efforts of the 9th Conference of Ministers of Awqaf (Endowments) and Islamic Affairs in Islamic Countries, which was organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, under the title “the role of endowments and Islamic affairs ministries in promoting and consolidating the principles and the values of moderation,” which was held with wide participation and topics and research of scientific and practical value.

In turn, HE Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised the sincere and dedicated efforts exerted by the State of Qatar in managing and making the joint Gulf meetings a succe
ss. He stressed that these blessed fraternal meetings come in the implementation of the visions and directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, leaders of the GCC countries, as they see the importance of unity, integration, and rapprochement between the GCC countries in various fields.

His Excellency pointed out that the meetings of the esteemed committee have resulted, since its establishment, in achieving various accomplishments that would enhance integration, cooperation, and exchange of expertise in the field of Islamic affairs and endowments among the GCC countries, which reflects the reality of cooperation among the member states and reflects the noble and blessed message of the GCC, which is to achieve integration.

HE Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised the proposals to prepare a paper on the role of the Ministries of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in caring for persons with disabilities, as well as a paper entitled the importance of caring for historic mosques. He thanked and appreciated the Ministry
of Endowments and Religious Affairs in the Sultanate of Oman and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their efforts in preparing these two papers.

During the tenth meeting, Their Excellencies the GCC Ministers responsible for Islamic Affairs and Endowments discussed a number of important issues and topics, mainly exchanging scientific research and experiences in the field of endowments between member states through interactive seminars via video conferencing.

The meeting discussed several issues, including presenting experiences in the field of Islamic affairs, holding a world day for endowments, and establishing a Gulf scientific observatory to highlight the true image of the tolerance of Islam, in addition to preparing a working paper on the role of the Ministries of Endowments and Islamic and Religious Affairs in caring for people with disabilities, as well as a working paper entitled the importance of caring for historic mosques, in addition to a number
of topics of common interest.

These meetings are a strategic platform to discuss challenges, exchange experiences and best practices, coordinate efforts between the GCC countries, and reach consensus visions, which contributes to enhancing the social role of the Ministries of Endowments and religious institutions, to achieve development goals, advance the religious sector, enable it to perform its civilizational and humanitarian mission, and meet the aspirations of the peoples of the region towards goodness, stability, and sustainable development.

Source: Qatar News Agency