Muslim Communities Participating in Society: A Belgian-US Dialogue

Last week US and Belgian Muslims convened in order to discuss their mutual concerns and foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

Europe and the United States increasingly acknowledge the political, economic, and security value of building productive relationships with both domestic and international Muslim communities. It is time to catalyze these relationships – to increase enfranchisement, ease alienation, and foster cross-cultural understanding. Muslims on both sides are natural interlocutors who share the aspiration and challenge of participating fully in their respective societies while honoring their faith and identity. This is a prototype initiative, beginning in Belgium. If successful, it could become a model for use across Europe.

The meeting was convened by Belgium’s Royal Institute for International Relations and The United States Embassy in Belgium.

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