Italy’s Ambassador in Cairo Giampaolo Cantini said during a Cairo conference on religion on Tuesday,February 18, that Egypt has been a prime example of religious and cultural pluralism.

Cantini made the comments at a conference organised by the Italian embassy under the title ‘From Freedom of Worship to Freedom of Religion and Belief.’ The conference discussed the role of religion and religious leaders in bolstering freedom of religion and belief.

The ambassador said that extremism, conflict and terrorism undermine social cohesion, stressing the necessity of a real partnership between governments and religious institutions.

Cantini also said that he expects the conference will contribute to the involvement of religious institutions in bolstering the freedom of worship.

Apostolic Nuncio to Egypt Archbishop Nicolas Henry said that the freedom of religion and belief is guaranteed to individuals and is a key pillar for peace.

Ahmed Ihab Gamal Eddin, Egypt's Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights and International Humanitarian and Social Affairs, said that Egypt is tackling the root causes of terrorism.

Egypt aims to build a modern state and renew religious discourse, he said, adding that the Egyptian constitution affirms that the freedom of religious is an absolute right for all citizens.