Islamic Summit Themed “Islam and Buddhism” Kicks Off in Phnom Penh

Some 180 delegates from 31 countries, have been attending the first ever Islamic Summit in Cambodia, organised by the Muslim World League under the theme “Islam and Buddhism”.

The opening ceremony, held here at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence this morning, was presided over by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. In his keynote address, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed warm welcome to all foreign delegates and shared his pride over the religious harmony in the Kingdom.

“This is the first ever summit of the Muslim World League in Cambodia. This event showcases clearly the solidarity and religious harmony in Cambodia,” he said.

The Premier re-emphasised that peace and stability are the indispensable factors for the social harmony in the country.

With peace, people can live with joyfulness, happiness, and prosperity, as well as respective religious beliefs, said Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, reaffirming the Royal Government’s strong commitment to continue ensuring a united and fraternal Cambodian society. H.E. Dr. Othsman Hassan, the Senior Minister in Charge of Special Mission on Cambodian Islamic Affairs and a member of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, is convinced that through this summit, Cambodia will be regarded by the whole world as a model country in providing complete ethnic and religious harmony to her people, without any racial or religious discrimination, while many other countries have not been able to do so.

In Cambodia, he continued, about 5 percent of the population is Muslim, while most Cambodians (93 percent) follow Buddhism, and the rest practice other religions. Anyway, they all have been living in solidarity and with tolerance. This is a testament to the religious progress in Cambodia and positive coexistence.
Cr: AKP