On 19th July, the British Arab Network hosted a reception at the Royal Automobile Club, to celebrate Muslim-Jewish dialogue, and the 25th anniversary of Emanulis Zingeris as Member of Parliament in Lithuania.  Prominent parliamentarians, diplomats and civil society leaders were in attendance and the event was a huge success. Speakers on the evening, Dr. Wafik Moustafa, Emanuelis Zingeris MP, Sir Eric Pickles MP, Baroness Neville-Jones and Dr. Julian Lewis celebrated Muslim-Jewish dialogue, and highlighted the importance of Interfaith and Intercultural dialogue and the use of soft power.

Commenting on the event, Dr. Moustafa said:

“I was delighted and honoured to co-host this wonderful event with my friend Emanuelis Zingeris and welcome parliamentarians, diplomats and civil society leaders from all backgrounds to celebrate Muslim-Jewish dialogue and to celebrate Emanuelis’ 25th anniversary as an MP. Many congratulations to him. We need to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue to build understanding to achieve reconciliation and peace. There has never been a greater need in the world for the use of soft power.”

Commenting on the event, Emanuelis Zingeris MP said:

“It was a pleasure and honour to co-host this inspiring event with my friend Dr. Wafik and to see so many prominent people from all faiths coming together to celebrate Muslim-Jewish dialogue. Intercultural and interreligious dialogue are much needed in the modern world as they are critical to peace and co-operation within and beyond our borders.”

Guests in attendance included:

Dr. Wafik Moustafa  Chairman of the British Arab Network

Hon. Emanuelis Zingeris MP   Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Lithuanian Parliament

Sir Eric Pickles MP    United Kingdom Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues & former Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Rt. Hon. Baroness Neville-Jones DCMG  Former U.K. Security Minister & Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee

Rt. Hon. Dr. Julian Lewis MP, Chairman Defence Select Committee, U.K. Parliament

Hon. Mr. John Mann MP

H.E Mr. Khaled Al-Duwaisan GCVO   Ambassador of Kuwait   Dean of the Diplomatic Corps

Mr. Khondker M Talha  Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh 

Mr. Arif Celik    Diplomat  Embassy of Turkey

Mr İbrahim Yükseltan  Diplomat  Embassy of Turkey