The head of the European Jewish Congress says Turkey has a key role in promoting tolerance and dialogue between the Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths.

Moshe Kantor says Turkey represents a “moderate and tolerant Islam” which puts the country in position to help fight xenophobia, racism and anti-Semitism.

Kantor was speaking to The Associated Press Tuesday after meetings with Turkey’s president, prime minister and foreign minister during which he invited Turkey to participate in the newly formed European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation. The grouping aims to fight intolerance in Europe.

Kantor says he was assured there is no state anti-Semitism in Turkey and welcomed the Islamic-rooted government’s effort to combat anti-Semitism within the public.