Photo taken on April 24, 2017 shows a scene of the Ancient Civilizations Forum in Athens, Greece. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
The first Ancient Civilization Forum kicked off here on Monday as countries representing early civilizations across the world aim to pool their wisdom together to address today's problems and challenges with stronger cultural and economic ties.
The forum, a Greek initiative with China as co-organizer, is attended by delegations from 10 countries representing major ancient civilizations. Other participants include Bolivia, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico and Peru.
Beneath the towering Acropolis of Athens, delegations headed by foreign ministers of the 10 countries attended the two-day forum, which is "in a bid to promote cultural heritage and cooperation," according to the Greek government.
The forum took place at the magnificent Zappeion Megaron, a building of historic significance and an active part of Greece's history over the last 130 years.
CONTINUITY, STABILITY
The 10 countries represent more than 40 percent of the world population and are at the center of international political developments in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa.
In his welcoming address to the inauguration of the forum, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that dialogue and coordination of civilizations could help tackle today's challenges of war and terrorism, urging the crisis-hit Europe to retrieve its lost root of civilization -- peace and solidarity.
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said in his opening speech that at a time of instability, ancient civilizations offer continuity and stability.
He said that the culture of compromise and consensus, ability to fight for justice should be needed.
The achievements of the past gain increasingly more value, not when one rests on one's laurels, but when they are utilized to form a better present and a more hopeful tomorrow and this is the aim of the forum, Kotzias said in his invitation to the participants.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari told the forum that the cultural diversity of the world should be respected and treasured, since "if all flowers were of the same color, they will have not been attractive."
The minister condemned the Islamic State(IS) for devastating the cultural heritages in his country.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry said that the forum revives values that should be universal and a source of inspiration.
"At this time when the world is suffering from extremism of all kinds at the global level, we need the lessons we can draw from old civilizations," said Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. "We can contribute by promoting dialogue and understanding."
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told press at the end of Monday's forum that three consensus including peace, inclusiveness and cooperation have been achieved by the ministers.
