Austrian foreign minister calls for intercultural dialogue in Europe

Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger stressed on Monday that the reunification of Europe can only succeed when countries in the region also seek neighborly relationship.

On the occasion of the first South East Regional Conference of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, which opened in Sarajevo on Monday, Spindelegger stated that for a peaceful, stable and sustainable developing region, the cross-regional dialogue and cooperation would be the essential prerequisites.

He said that the "regional strategy for intercultural dialogue and cooperation in Southeast Europe" and the "Sarajevo Declaration" passed at the Conference created a basis for an enhanced cooperation in the areas of youth, education and media.

In cooperation with partner countries, Austria would especially help the youth. "Young people in the region need concrete economic and social perspectives. This is to incorporate cultural diversity in the education system and strengthen the active participation of youth in politics and society," said the minister.

He also pointed out: "Austria also therefore supports the various initiatives in intercultural dialogue of regional and international organizations, such as the Regional Cooperation Council, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) or the Council of Europe."

The UN Alliance of Civilizations is committed to be a global dialogue of cultures and religions. Representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Spain and Turkey attended the conference in Sarajevo.

Source: Xinhua