Manama, October 20 (QNA) - The State of Qatar participated Tuesday in the 12th meeting of GCC ministers responsible for Islamic affairs and endowments, held in Bahrain to discuss initiatives and proposals aimed at developing the endowments sector, strengthening institutional integration and coordinating efforts among relevant authorities across GCC countries.

Qatar's delegation was headed by HE Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem.

Opening the meeting, HE Bahrain's Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda said joint GCC meetings reflect the directives of the GCC leaders to strengthen unity, integration and closer ties among member states.

He noted that ministerial meetings on Islamic affairs and endowments had achieved significant progress in cooperation, coordination and the exchange of expertise, reinforcing GCC integration and the Council's role in serving the Islamic world.

The ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation through exchanging research, expertise and best practices in endowments and Islamic affairs, improving institutional knowledge-sharing and strengthening the effectiveness and social impact of religious outreach and guidance initiatives.

The agenda included a proposed GCC Endowments Week to highlight the developmental and civilizational role of endowments and raise public awareness of their contribution to development and community service.

The ministers also discussed establishing a national indicator to measure the social impact of endowments and launching a GCC-wide competition to promote awareness of endowments, charitable work and volunteering.

Other topics included a proposed architectural identity for mosque minarets that balances authenticity with innovation while preserving the cultural and architectural character of GCC mosques.

Participants also reviewed proposals on cultural dialogue between East and West, establishing a GCC scientific observatory, and addressing extremist ideas, supporting efforts to promote moderation, tolerance and intellectual security.

The meeting reflects GCC countries' commitment to advancing Islamic affairs and endowments, strengthening institutional coordination and sharing successful experiences, while promoting initiatives that reinforce moderation, tolerance and generosity and enhance the developmental and civilizational contributions of religious and endowment institutions across Gulf societies. (QNA)