An international conference showcasing all of Bahrain's best attributes is coming to Germany later this year, a report said.

Following the success of a similar event held in London in May, Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA) has decided to hold another 'This is Bahrain' conference - but based in Berlin this time, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The Berlin event, scheduled for October 1, will witness a delegation from Bahrain that will be 50 per cent larger than it was at the first edition of the conference - featuring community figures, religious leaders and expatriates.

BFEA secretary-general Betsy Mathieson said her group was "on a mission" to portray the real Bahrain, not the distorted view so often seen in the international media.

"The second leg of 'This is Bahrain' comes after the success of its debut venture held in London," said Mathieson, at a meeting held at the Monte Rosa Restaurant in Bahrain yesterday  (August 16) to announce the event.

"We had a few hundred participants at the London event and the response was overwhelming, hence the larger delegation this time for Germany."

Mathieson said a venue that could hold the larger number of participants for the event was yet to be finalised.

"We are looking forward to visiting the historic city of Berlin in beautiful Germany, a country dear to the heart of many Bahrainis and expatriates - where we enjoy strong diplomatic, trade and tourism relations," she said.

"We believe that Bahrain is a shining example to the world that multiculturalism succeeds when it is nurtured with a blend of mutual respect, tolerance and love.

"Bahrain has for centuries guaranteed total freedom of religion for all and due to the liberal vision of the leadership, Bahrainis have grown up being exposed to all races, religions and cultures, and so they are the most tolerant, respectful, hospitable people."

Mathieson said Bahrain could be a bastion of tolerance in a world seemingly awash with extremism and fundamentalism.

"We want to share the true picture of life in Bahrain to counteract the negative picture painted by some organisations and individuals and this is why we have created 'This is Bahrain' with Bahrainis and expatriates coming together to proudly represent the country we all call home."

Churches, mosques, temples, schools, clubs, societies, associations and authorities will all be represented at the event, Mathieson said, which will cater to an invited audience of residents, diplomats, parliamentarians, business organisations, students, religious leaders, and local and international media.

Two more European destinations are scheduled for the road show over the next 18 months, she added, before it is planned to be taken further afield.

Bahrain's Ambassador to Germany Ebrahim Mahmood Ahmed Abdulla said the event would do much to project the right image of Bahrain to the West. "I hope we have more of such events in the future," he said.

"Germany has always been a friend to Bahrain with strong economic, tourism and cultural ties. We have many Bahraini students in Germany and also have collaborations with major German companies. "All this makes Germany the right choice to host 'This is Bahrain'." – TradeArabia News Service