LOC21:42
18:42 GMT
ROME, Feb 16 (KUNA) -- Italy's Interior Minister Marco Minniti has refuted claims that Islam contradicts the Italian constitution, stressing the importance of promoting integration and interfaith dialogue.
This came during a visit by Minetti to the Islamic Cultural Center and the Great Mosque of Rome after Friday prayers, where he participated in an interactive forum entitled "Muslims of Italy together for a cohesive society."
Several representatives of Muslims and the Islamic community were present in the event.
He said that Italy has historically adopted an ever-open approach to interfaith dialogue characterized by tolerance so as to build mutual recognition.
He added that integration is the key to the future and that a country, which integrates its citizens well, can build a better security policy.
He affirmed that democracy should work to liberate the world from concerns, calling for building an alliance with the Islamic world in order to help get rid of these concerns.
For his part, head of the Islamic Center and MP Khaled Shawqi stressed the desire of Italian Muslims totaling 1.6 million to get engaged in dialogue.
He said they are committed to the basic values of the Italian Republic, and to building necessarily an example of coexistence on the basis of equality. (end)
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