Ramadan a time to celebrate Islamic values and denounce extremism “… We must unite against extremism in all of the dangerous forms that it takes.” Mr Nabil Lakhal, Dean of the Council of Arab Ambassadors. 22/6/2017 (Translation of this article appears in Arabic section) Canberra - M. E. TIMES Int'l: The Arab Ambassadors Council in Canberra held a Iftar dinner at the Old Parliament House in Canberra at which guests were treated to samples of many traditional foods of Arab/Gulf countries such as Kuwait, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Tunisia, Qatar and Morocco. 
Dean of the Council of Arab Ambassadors Tunisian Ambassador Nabil Lakhal addressing the audience The function was attended by politicians, diplomats, community and religious leaders including Foreign Affairs Minister Julie BishopMP, Matthew Neuhas (acting First Assistant Secretary DFAT), Lyndal Sachs (chief of protocol - DFAT). Excerpt of the Speech by His Excellency Mr Nabil Lakhal, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia, Dean of the Council of Arab Ambassadors to Australia. "Ramadan is a time to celebrate mutual respect, tolerance, coexistence and unity. These values of Islam are more relevant in this beautiful country of Australia which has been, and will continue to be, built on diversity and multiculturalism. The pride of Australia derives from its inclusive society and long standing principle of giving its entire people, regardless their background. The variety of beliefs and ideas that the people of Australia bring are the firm foundations of this great nation. In this context, Australian Muslims who continue to play an important role in Australia should be proud of what they have done for the development and prosperity of their lovely country. Islam provides a moral compass for its followers, teaching humanity, co-existence and peace Unfortunately, these noble values of Islam have been hijacked by a handful of extremists. However, it is important to note that such hijacking and abuse of religion is far from exclusive to Islam. 
FM Julia Bishop delivers her speech This is why, rather than divide, we must unite against extremism in all of the dangerous forms that it takes. The way to achieve this is by engaging in robust and constructive discussion across sects, religions and cultures, based on the shared principles of trust and mutual respect. "Australian Muslims have continued to contribute to the richness of our society" Julia Bishop the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms Bishop then expressed the honour she felt at being invited to the dinner. “I am delighted to see so many of my friends here from the diplomatic community in Canberra. 
LtoR: Lyndall Sachs the director of the protocol (DFAT), Najib Al-Bader Ambassador of Kuwait, Nabil Lakhal Ambassador of Tunisia, FM Julia Bishop and Mohamed Khairat Ambassador of Egypt “This is also a time to pay tribute to the Muslim community in Australia which dates back to the earliest days of the colony. Australian Muslims have continued to contribute to the richness of our society taking part in public, cultural economic life, politicians, businessmen and women and sporting stars. These longstanding ties have also contributed to enhancing our relationships with countries in the Middle Eastern and North Africa. And I am delighted to see the level of Government, business, and community connections between the countries of the Middle East North Africa and Australia.” 
Matthew Neuhaus (C) A/g First Assist. Secretary (DFAT) with ambassadors of Palestine, Morocco, Jordan and others 
H.E. Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana the Apostolic Nuncio (1stR) and other guests 
FM Julia Bishop with Kuwaiti Ambassador Najib Al Bader while Ms Bishop taste Kuwaiti cuisine 
Lyndall Sachs the director of the protocol (DFAT)and Chargé d'Affaires of the Lebanese Embassy Giscard El-Khoury 
Chargé d'affaires of the UAE Embassy Matar Al Mansouri 
Reem Al-Sharah (Right) wife of the Kuwaiti ambassador and Ms. Samar Al-Hassan of the Lebanese Embassy 
View of the Saudi and UAE cuisines 
View of the Egyptian cuisine |
