Egypt PM urges concerted efforts to address Arab issues

Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab said here on Saturday concerted efforts should be exerted in order to defeat the current circumstances affecting the stability of Arab and Muslim nations.
In a keynote speech at the 24th conference of the Supreme Council of Islamic Studies, the Egyptian prime minister emphasized that the teachings of Islam necessitate good treatment with others, respect of human and animal rights, denunciation of violence and murder, building, reform, work, production and commitment to cultural constituents.
Mahlab vehemently lashed out at those who are wearing the cloak of Islam, misunderstand Islamic teachings and make religious misinterpretations in a bid to serve their respective purposes and motives.
He also condemned the ideologies of takfiri (infidelity), extremism, intolerance and burning of innocents, not to mention all other criminal acts that have nothing to do whatsoever with the religion of Islam.
The Egyptian prime minister called for deepening the values of hard work as the sole way to build and develop nations, and for observing the noble values of the Messenger Muammad (pbuh).
He added that the message of the Prophet advocates passion and tolerance to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
He voiced hope that the two-day conference could find solutions to the problems of both Arab and Muslim nations, and update the religious discourse with a view to attaining the interests of people and nations.
The 24th conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Egypt held in Cairo today attracts representatives from over 40 countries, including Kuwait.
The Kuwaiti delegation is headed by Amiri Diwan Affairs advisor Dr. Abdullah Al-Maatouq.
The two-day conference will focus on Islam as a great religion and misconceptions about Islam.