RIYADH, March 16 (MENA) - Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi renewed the GCC 's call for consolidating values ​​of dialogue and respect between peoples and cultures and rejecting hatred and extremism.

The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council said in a statement Sunday - on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia - that he called for concerted international efforts to promote these principles in all societies and spread the culture of peace and coexistence among peoples, urging respect for cultural and religious diversity, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

He pointed to efforts made by the GCC states in this respect, including a proposal to establish a Gulf scientific observatory to combat extremism, through the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Islamic Affairs and Endowments in the GCC states.

This proposal is an important step, as it will contribute to enhancing the true image of Islam and countering hate campaigns, he added.

The GCC secretary general referred to stands and decisions of the Council's member states regarding terrorism and extremism, regardless of their source and their rejection in all their forms and manifestations, as well as any motives or justifications for them and working to dry up their sources of funding and supporting international efforts to combat terrorism.

Budaiwi said terrorism is not linked to any religion, culture, nationality, or ethnic group, highlighting that tolerance and coexistence among nations and peoples are among the most important principles and values ​​upon which the societies of the GCC.

He condemned all terrorist acts, affirming the sanctity of bloodshed and rejecting attacks on civilians and civilian facilities, such as schools, places of worship and hospitals.

Budaiwi called on the international and regional community to continue coordination to confront terrorist groups and sectarian militias that threaten and destabilize security. (MENA)

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