During the “Common World: Progress through Diversity” Forum in Astana, Lithuania‘s Foreign Minister and representatives from more than 60 states discussed the issues of strengthening tolerance and dialogue between the Western and Muslim worlds, as well as possibilities to promote security and stability.
During the “Common World: Progress through Diversity” Forum in Astana (Kazakhstan) on 17 October, Lithuania‘s Foreign Minister Petras Vaitiekūnas and representatives from more than 60 states discussed the issues of strengthening tolerance and dialogue between the Western and Muslim worlds, as well as possibilities to promote security and stability.
Minister P.Vaitiekūnas presented an example of such a dialogue: that was an example of Lithuania‘s activities in the Ghor Province of Afghanistan, were Lithuania implements not only economic and social projects, but also those related to history and culture.
Head of Lithuania‘s diplomacy rejected any prejudices that the encounter of cultures and civilizations might supposedly mean unavoidable conflict and confrontation.
“A thousand years ago such an encounter resulted in the birth of Lithuania‘s state which later showed an example that contributed to the strengthening of the dialogue between cultures and religions”, minister P.Vaitiekūnas said.
The “Common World: Progress through Diversity” Forum joined together foreign ministers from Estonia, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Central Asia states and other Western and Muslim states, as well as representatives from international organizations (United Nations, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, UNESCO, International Islamic Organization for Education, Science and Culture, Arab League).
Participants of the Forum continue searching for answers to the questions that have been raised during the forum of the Alliance of Civilizations in January this year. Together with more than 70 countries, Lithuania belongs to the Group of Friends of the Alliance.