The Bavarian Minister of Interior, Sports and Integration to the Union: The UAE is pursuing an innovative strategy in spreading tolerance

Yousry Adel (Abu Dhabi)

Joachim Herrmann, Minister of the Interior, Sports and Integration in the state of Bavaria in the Republic of Germany, said that the United Arab Emirates is pursuing an innovative strategy in spreading tolerance and combating extremism, noting that mutual tolerance between religious communities is a very important factor for social peace, and helps prevent the emergence of terrorism.
Joachim Hermann said, in an exclusive interview with Al-Ittihad, that he made clear during his many discussions during his visit to the UAE the extent of the importance that the state attaches to comprehensive and early measures to combat extremism, indicating that the UAE is pursuing an innovative strategy and deserves support in the field of preventive work, such as Hedaya Center for Combating Extremism and Violent Extremism.
He said: “We admired the Abrahamic Family House, and its enormous contribution to peaceful coexistence between religions, and we all agreed that mutual tolerance between religious communities and their affiliated believers, as well as knowledge, recognition and respect for each other’s beliefs is a very important factor for social peace, and helps prevent the emergence of terrorism in the first place.” ».
He added: “We must continue to expand the scope of interfaith dialogue; Therefore, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Center for Islam and Law in Europe at the University of Erlangen and the Al-Manara Regional Center for Coexistence during our visit to the UAE was particularly pleasing, and this is an important contribution to deepening dialogue between cultures and religions.”
The Bavarian Minister pointed out that his visit to the UAE was very important, and during which he brought many impressions that will remain in memory for a long time. He said: “I had many intense discussions, and the top topics were current internal security issues, especially the fight against extremism and terrorism. There was an important exchange of views on the current political and social developments in the Middle East, which have a direct impact on the security situation in Europe and Germany.”
He added: “There was agreement that the dangers posed by terrorism have increased throughout the world, and this increases the importance of intensive and regular dialogue with the UAE. Therefore, we will work to expand and intensify police cooperation between the UAE and Bavaria.”
The Minister of Interior, Sports and Integration in Bavaria indicated that the state maintains close relations with the UAE, and that there is intense economic cooperation.
He said: “The United Arab Emirates is the second most important trading partner of Bavaria in the Near and Middle East. There are about 70 Bavarian companies that have their own branches in the Emirates, and more than 800 Bavarian companies maintain trade relations with the Emirates, and there are also partnerships between universities. The credit for these close relations goes to the very dedicated German-Arab Friendship Association (DAFG), and I also took advantage of my visit to speak with representatives of Bavarian companies in Dubai, such as (Siemens) and (Schilfer).”
Regarding Germany’s embrace of millions of refugees and the efforts of the state of Bavaria to promote coexistence and integration between Germans and refugees, Joachim Herrmann said that the state
Bavaria is characterized by diversity and is an example of successful integration, noting that this can be seen in the state of Bavaria having the highest employment rate in Germany and the lowest level of poverty risk among immigrant persons.
He said: “Migrants, male and female, who obtain permission to stay with us for some time or permanently are supported in having good access to Bavaria and participating in society. They are provided with counseling at the level of all of Bavaria, and they are supported in learning the German language, finding a job or a training place, and once they have “They are recognized and supported in finding housing.”
He added: “Anyone who wants to live in our country must integrate into our legal and social system. Because only those who know and recognize the basics of our social coexistence can truly reach our country and find a homeland. As Minister of the Interior and Integration of the Free State of Bavaria, it is self-evident for me that Bavaria’s refugee policy stands for humanity and order. Anyone who obtains protected status has all options open to him. This is humanity. At the same time, all people living with us must adhere to the rules applicable in our country. “Anyone who does not receive protected status must leave our country.”