Latin American Muslims Conference Underway in Sao Paulo
According to IINA, the status of the Muslim minorities of the region, ways to protect them against radicalism and extremism, and raising awareness about the threats of terrorism are the themes of this year’s event.
A number of scholars and diplomats from Arab and Islamic countries are also present at the conference.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Ahmed bin Ali al-Saifi, head of the Latin America Islamic Development Center, said the conference provides a good opportunity for discussing issues that serve the interests of Islam and Muslims and help to resolve problems facing the Muslim minorities in the region,
He added that the message of the conference is "protect our children from falling into the trap of those spreading terrorism”.
A documentary film was also played at the ceremony featuring the activities of the Latin America Islamic Development Center in supporting the region’s Islamic institutes and promoting Islamic teachings and concepts.
A representative of the Brazilian government also addressed the event, saying that the government and nation of Brazil are aware that acts of terrorism committed by certain groups have nothing to do with Islam and its values and teachings.
He also voiced Brasilia’s willingness to expand brotherly relations with Muslim and Arab countries.
The number of Muslims in Latin America according to some estimates is over four million. Followers of Islam in Latin America are mainly concentrated in Brazil , El Salvador and Argentina but also there are concentrations in Venezuela, Colombia and Paraguay. Most of these Latin American Muslims are from either Lebanese or Syrian origin.
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