LONDON, Aug 6 — Sweden wants to strengthen relations with Muslim countries, Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said, as the country drew criticism over the repeated desecration of the Quran within its borders, reported Anadolu Agency.
In a statement yesterday, the Foreign Ministry said Billstrom talked with more than 20 ambassadors of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Stockholm on Friday.
He said they have had “a fruitful and constructive meeting”, adding he is keen to continue “open and constructive dialogue”.
“Restoring trust and confidence takes time. I will devote a substantial part of this electoral period to strengthening relationships with Muslim countries,” Billstrom said.
He said his government “strongly rejects” the burnings of copies of holy scriptures, adding the Justice Ministry has initiated an analysis and is working on terms of reference for an inquiry to review the Public Order Act.
“I intend to travel to OIC countries, and Sweden will host discussions and dialogues in connection with the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September,” he said.
Earlier this week, Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said one potential solution to prevent the desecration of the Quran could be to use emergency powers the government can wield under the Public Order Act.
Jakob Forssmed, Swedish social affairs minister, also had a meeting with representatives from different faith-based organisations in the Swedish capital on Friday.
Recent months have seen repeated acts of Quran burning, desecration, or attempts to do so by Islamophobic figures or groups, especially in northern European and Nordic countries.
— Bernama
