Middle East
Eighth Dialogue on Countering Violent Extremism in the Midle East
March 5, 2025
- From February 16 to Febuary 22, five experts from the Middle East and North Africa region were invited to Japan to participate in the Eighth Dialogue on Countering Violent Extremism in the Middle East.
- The delegation participated in an interreligious dialogue at the Myoshinji Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto, visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and other related facilities as well as UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Hiroshima Office, and held a discussion on countermeasures against violent extremism, an issue shared by the Middle East and Japan, with Accept International (NPO).
- The delegation also participated in a roundtable discussion with Japanese experts on the theme of “The Presence of Women and Children in Radicalization” on February 20 and exchanged views on the role Japan should play in the field of countering violent extremism. The participants stated that it would be beneficial to continue such dialogue in the future and expressed their gratitude to the Government of Japan for hosting the dialogue.
- On February 21, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Mr. MATSUMOTO Hisashi, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. Parliamentary Vice Minister Matsumoto stated that Japan shares with Islam a spirit that emphasizes “tolerance,” and will continue to contribute to peace and prosperity of the international community, including through countering violent extremism. In response, the delegation expressed their gratitude for the invitation to Japan, and expressed their intention to utilize the knowledge acquired during the visit, and their expectations for Japan to play a role in countering violent extremism.