Foreign Ministers and ambassadors from European and Arab countries have started meeting in Malta to discuss regional cooperation aimed at strengthening bridges between peoples and communities by promoting inter-cultural dialogue.
The meeting has been organised by the UN Alliance of Civilizations and will focus on a regional strategy on inter-cultural dialogue and cooperation for the Mediterranean.
Participants are representing 41 countries as well as representatives of international and regional organizations – such as UNESCO, the International Organization of Migration (IOM), the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Council of Europe, the European Union, the League of Arab States and the Anna Lindh Foundation are attending the meeting.
The High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, President Jorge Sampaio, said: “We need to create new opportunities for new experiences and interaction to build up new prospects for a brighter future for peoples in the Mediterranean region. Transcending our present difficulties of living together is not an option, it is an obligation. Governments, international organizations, key sectors of civil society, faith based organizations, the youth and the media, we all bear a joint responsibility for achieving results and make a difference”.
The delegates were welcomed by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg who spoke on how Malta's political vocation towards the Mediterranean is a central policy pillar in its international foreign relations.
He emphasised the importance that governments play to enrich cultural dialogue, above all the role of the governments that form part of the Alliance of Civilisations.
"We must do our utmost to ensure that action in various sectors is actually conducive to encouraging our citizens to reach out to other peoples across cultures and relations, and to foster a disposition to tolerate different beliefs and traditions."
Speaking about the importance of the role of civil societies, Dr Borg said that they provide a vital link to the grass root level, which is fundamental for the propagation of tolerance and respect to flourish. The help in building dialogue between cultures and civilisations.
He stressed the attention that governments should give to address poverty, injustices and alienation. These, he said, when combined with political grievances can foster extremism.