ISTANBUL
The First Latin American Muslim Leaders Religious Summit began in Istanbul on Wednesday.
Hosting 76 religious leaders from more than 40 countries, the summit is organized by Turkey's Department of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) to address the issues facing Muslims in Latin American countries.
"We have not gathered here to impose any ideology or religion but we gathered here to discuss issues that concern Muslims in Latin American countries, religious services and cooperation opportunities," said Mehmet Gormez, head of Religious Affairs department in Turkey.
He said the Muslim communities living in Latin countries will be able to take advantage of the knowledge and skills of Diyanet thanks to the summit.
There are about 6 million Muslims living in Latin America, according to Gormez who also addressed the need for more Muslim organizations and training for religious scholars in the region.
Attending the summit, Turkish deputy prime minister Yalcin Akdogan urged the Muslim countries to take action against anti-Islam propaganda across the world.
"Today, the Muslims all around the world are going through a difficult period. I believe that this summit will enable the Muslim scholars from different continents to build a new consciousness to solve the lasting conflicts in war-torn Muslim communities," he said.
"All the terrorist organizations using Islam for their bloody attacks are insulting the Islamic values," Akdogan said. "However, we have to spoil the game which has been played, vilifying the Islam and the Muslims all around the world."
Five religious organizations are present at the summit, including the Eurasian Islam Council, the African Religious Leaders Summit, the Meeting of European Muslims, the Balkans Meeting of Religious Directorate Leaders and the World Islam Scholars’ Peace, Moderation and Foresight Initiative.
The summit will last until November 16.
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