Asmara — The Eritrean Mufti, Sheik Al-Amin Osman, underlined that the harmonious coexistence of followers of the Islamic and Christian faiths in Eritrea is exemplary.

He made the remarks in a speech he delivered at the Congress on religious diversity and nationhood that was held in Cairo from March 16 to 19.

Sheik Al-Amin Osman stated that religious and cultural diversity in Eritrea has been coexisting in peace and harmony since 614 A.D, the period Prophet Mohammed instructed his followers to move to the land of Habesh for safety, especially present-day Massawa.

Noting that since then the Eritrean people had jointly rebuffed all divisive ploys of the colonialists through standing on solid ground of unity, Sheik Al-Amin Osman indicated that the Eritrean people achieved national independence after a 30-year long armed struggle. He went on to explain that now too they are living in peace, harmony and good-neighborliness.