Leadership by example on violence and terror

The UAE and India discussed ways to counter extremism, during their meetings in New Delhi this week.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi waves as he leaves with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Indian president Pranab Mukherjee after the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on Thursday. Prakash Singh / AFPShow less

NEW DELHI // Talks between the UAE and Indian delegations on ways to counter violence were an example of what is required internationally to address the threat of extremism, an Emirati member said.

Discussions took place during the visit of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

“There is no one single country immune to violent extremism and no one country can deal with or handle this challenge,” said Maqsoud Kruse, executive director of Abu Dhabi’s Hedayah, the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism.

“We are all part of the solution.”

Mr Kruse said much was learned from the discussions of religious leaders, academics, non-profit organisation representatives and journalists.

The UAE’s representatives shared their experience in promoting tolerance and preventing extremism through counter-terrorism and anti-hate laws, said Mr Kruse.

Among the representatives were Dr Mohammed Al Kaabi, chairman of Awqaf, and Sheikh Waseem Yousef, the preacher and imam of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

“What we learned from the Indian side is how they relate to their deep-rooted traditions of non-violence led by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and his call for global peace,” Mr Kruse said.

“Our main focus is how we can promote peace, coexistence, tolerance on a global scale.”

The talks will allow for further exchanges and continued discussion on how to implement good practices on an international level, said Mr Kruse.

“All religions, all cultures, all humanity reflects this sense of oneness,” he said.