A senior Chinese leader on Wednesday called on followers of different regions to strengthen dialogue and promote peaceful coexistence.

The peaceful coexistence of different religions "plays a vital role in maintaining world peace and stability in the process of globalization", said Ismail Amat, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the third Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Interfaith Dialogue, he said greater globalization had offered a better opportunity for different cultures and regions to intensify the mutual understanding as well as increased risks of conflict.

"However, it's distressing to see that confrontation and conflict caused by prejudice, misunderstanding and intolerance are far from being eliminated, and war, hatred, and disturbance under the disguise of religion still happen", Amat said.

Harmony promoted growth while unanimity stifled vitality, Amat said, suggesting difference were the impetus for communication and equality was a prerequisite and basis of exchanges.

"We should conduct sincere and pragmatic dialogue, make culture and faith diversity and their benign interaction a positive factor for maintaining peace, promoting development and progress of human society," he said.

The third ASEM Interfaith Dialogue, co-chaired by Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai and Italian Foreign Undersecretary Gianni Vernetti, convened in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province. Representatives from 37 members will discuss the theme of strengthening dialogue among different faiths to realize peace, development and harmony.

Source: Xinhua