At the initiative of the Foreign Minister, Mr. Nikos Kotzias, held in Athens from 18 to 20 October 2015, International Conference on “Religious and Cultural Pluralism and Peaceful Coexistence in the Middle East.”
The International Conference convened under the shadow of the dramatic developments and the ongoing conflicts in various regions of the Middle East, which have a serious impact on local communities. The Conference will focus on the consideration of all the dimensions and aspects of this crucial issue and processing for the most appropriate ways of protecting the rights and fundamental freedoms of various religious and cultural communities in the Middle East, with a view to promoting peaceful coexistence, in conditions of dignity and mutual understanding.
The realization of the Conference would enable initiation of an inclusive and comprehensive dialogue between all regional and international actors, with particular emphasis on the humanitarian crisis experienced by populations in the Middle East in the light of universal values of protecting human life, tolerance, pluralism, peaceful coexistence, multiculturalism and polythriskeftikotitas.
Greece, underpinned by the same values and preserving historical and traditionally excellent ties with the countries and peoples of the region, wants to offer its good offices and mediation in finding effective solutions to the problems faced by cultural and religious communities of that region, particularly during this critical period.
At the International Conference in Athens have been invited to join the Patriarchs and heads of Christian churches in the area, religious leaders and personalities of the Muslim and Jewish world, and distinguished representatives of international politics, academia and civil society.
For organizational questions about the Conference
Task Force Bureau for the International Conference Athens
Zalokosta 2 Athens
Tel: 0030 – 210 3681671
Fax: 0030 – 210 3681717
E-mail: conference.athens@mfa.gr
For issues related to media and journalists’ accreditations
Tel: 0030 – 210 9098 325, 326, 330
publicrelations2@minpress.gr