Crown Prince attends Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, The Crown of Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister today attended the inauguration ceremony for The Oxford’s Centre for Islamic Studies new building on Marston Road.
The inauguration ceremony was led by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, who has been the Patron of the Centre since its establishment in 1985. Other senior officials also attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, His Royal Highness The Crown Prince highlighted Bahrain’s long-standing commitment to building bridges with other cultures and civilizations. His Royal Highness The Crown Prince also highlighted His Majesty King Hamad’s role in promoting the principles of multiculturalism which have become a key characteristic of Bahrain’s national identity.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince noted the historic exchange of educational and cultural achievements between the Islamic world and other civilizations, remarking that this new landmark underscores the UK’s role in promoting a greater understanding of the Islamic world and its significant achievements. 
His Royal Highness The Crown Prince stressed on the importance of continuing to build bridges with other cultures to encourage the principles of compassion and coexistence, which are key values of Islam. His Royal Highness The Crown Prince also highlighted that Bahrain will continue to support the development of such research centres which serve to promote inter-faith understanding.
While touring the new building, His Royal Highness The Crown Prince acknowledged the traditional skills that have been used in the construction of the building, including brick vaulting and arches. His Royal Highness also noted that the style of buildings in Oxford share many similarities with Islamic architecture.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince concluded by recognising the important role that Oxford University plays in advancing research and scholarship.
After the inauguration ceremony, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince attended a lunch banquet, which His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales hosted in honour of the guests attending the ceremony.
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, of which The Prince of Wales is Patron, was established in 1985 to encourage the scholarly study of Islam and the Islamic world.

Source: BNA