Middle East

1. From March 6 to 10, three experts from the Middle East and North Africa region were invited to Japan to participate in the Sixth Dialogue on Countering Violent Extremism in the Middle East.
2. The delegation discussed countermeasures against violent extremism, an issue shared by the Middle East and Japan, through exchanging views with the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI), participating in interreligious dialogue at the Myoshinji Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto, visiting the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation and the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Hiroshima Office, and participating in dialogue with Japanese Muslims in Tokyo.
3. On March 9, the delegation paid a courtesy call to Mr. YAMADA Kenji, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. State Minister Yamada stated that Japan shares with Islam a spirit that emphasizes “harmony” and “tolerance,”and will continue to contribute to peace and prosperity in the international community, including through countering violent extremism, from the standpoint of having longstanding good relations with countries in the Middle East. In response, the delegation expressed their gratitude for the invitation to Japan, and expressed that they hope to utilize the knowledge gained during the visit in the future, and expect Japan to play a role in countering violent extremism.
4. Following this, the delegation participated in a roundtable discussion with Japanese experts on the theme of “counter-narratives” on March 9, and exchanged views on the role Japan should play in the field of countering violent extremism.The participants concerned that it would be beneficial to have active dialogue among Islamic sects and regions, as well as between Islam and other religions, in order to counter violent extremism. The participants also stated that it would be beneficial to continue such dialogue in the future and expressed their gratitude to the Japanese government for hosting the dialogue.

(Reference) Delegation list

• Dr. Hakan Kiyici, Turkish National Police Academy Assistant Professor
• Dr. Wisam Fakhry Hazimeh, Department of political science, the Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II School for International Studies, University of Jordan, Assistant Professor
• Ms. Adiba Naoua, Hassan II University, Teaching Fellow