ASEAN foreign ministers, speaking through a joint statement carried by TASS, voiced strong disapproval of the desecration actions tied to the burning of the Qur’an in Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The ministers stressed that such acts undermine religious tolerance and cast a dark shadow over the global climate of dialogue and mutual respect. This stance emerged during broad discussions in Jakarta, where regional representatives reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a peaceful and inclusive regional order grounded in universally observed human rights and interfaith harmony. (TASS)
Within the communique, the ministers asserted that freedom of expression should be exercised with responsibility. They urged countries to balance the protection of free speech with the need to preserve the sanctity of religious beliefs and the dignity of believers. By emphasizing accountability, the ASEAN group signaled a desire to deter provocative acts that inflame sectarian tensions and complicate international relations, while still upholding fundamental rights in a manner consistent with international norms. (TASS)
The statement also highlighted concerns about the impact of inflammatory rhetoric and provocative demonstrations, noting that religiously charged offenses can derail constructive dialogue and impede cooperation on shared challenges. It called for calm, measured responses from political actors, civil society, and media, so that the public discourse remains civil and the public order is preserved. The ministers underlined the importance of safeguarding places of worship and protecting worshippers during times of political strain, stressing that restraint from inflammatory actions is essential in maintaining regional stability and trust among diverse communities. (TASS)
In a related note, the leadership of the Russian side indicated that authorities in Moscow would continue to monitor the situation and engage with European partners to address concerns over this issue. The aim remains to promote accountability for actions that damage religious sanctity while avoiding escalation, and to encourage dialogue among all stakeholders to prevent repetition of provocative incidents and to support broader efforts toward mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence in Europe and beyond. (TASS)