Leiria:Portugal First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Adnan Feihan al-Dulaimi, has emphasized Iraq’s significant progress in achieving harmony and peaceful coexistence. This announcement was made during his meeting with Bishop José Ornelas Carvalho of the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima in Portugal.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Feihan met with Bishop Carvalho to explore ways of enhancing religious and cultural dialogue. The discussions aimed at confronting intellectual extremism and consolidating the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, thereby fostering communication and rapprochement among various cultures.

Feihan highlighted the challenges Iraq has faced, particularly the threat from the terrorist group ISIS, which affected the region and the world. He noted that Iraqis, with the support of their religious authorities and unity, have successfully overcome these threats. Feihan affirmed that Iraq is now experiencing an advanced stage of peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities, supported by constitutional guarantees of representation in parliamentary, governmental, and diplomatic spheres. He also extended an invitation to Bishop Carvalho to visit Iraq during the commemoration of the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein to witness human solidarity and mutual support firsthand.

Bishop Carvalho acknowledged Iraq’s historical role as a cradle of religions and human civilization. He praised the shared values of faith and tolerance that unite Muslims and Christians, and commended the sacrifices made by Iraqis in defending their Christian compatriots and protecting their churches from extremism and terrorism.