In the framework of the Armenian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe a meeting on the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue took place at the Government Guest House in Yerevan.

The event was attended by high-ranking priests from CoE member states, religious leaders of Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholic and Orthodox Churches, Muslim, Buddhist and Judaic confessions as well as by representatives of Armenia-based and international religious organizations and NGO’s, representatives of CoE bodies and the secretariat.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Edward Nalbandian delivered an opening speech during the meeting.

Greeting the participants Minister Nalbandian stated “Diversity is the strength and wealth of Europe and we are sure that through inter-cultural dialogue, including in the religious dimension, the dissemination of European, universal humanity values should become a priority for our societies.”

The Minister pointed out that Armenia has always attached great importance to the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue and it’s not by chance that the representative of Armenia became the president of the first “consultative council” of the Committee of Ministers on that issue in 2006/07 years.

“The culture of dialogue and respect towards other cultures, religions and traditions has always been one of the characteristic features of the Armenian people. Being situated in the crossroad of cultures and religions Armenia has developed comprehensive relations with different civilizations. Our culture has benefited from those contacts and reciprocally has enriched those cultures.”

“Today two thirds of Armenian people lives outside Armenia. Be it in France or in Brazil, in Russia or in Singapore, in the USA or in Egypt, in Lebanon or in India, in Iran or in Australia, Armenians have a dual identity: they are fully integrated within their hosting societies and at the same time are strongly tied to their national identity.

From this perspective they are an exclusive bridge between Armenia and the rest of the world”- Minister Nalbandian stated.

Wishing success to the participants of the conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs said; “One of the thinkers said “We are building too many walls and too few bridges”.

I am sure that in the 21th century we must consolidate our efforts for building and multiplying bridges- bridges between peoples, cultures, religions, societies and generations”.