Ancient Civilization Forum opens to cement cultural, economic ties

The first Ancient Civilization Forum kicked off here on Monday as 10 countries representing early civilizations across the world aim to strengthen their cultural and economic ties to address common challenges.

The two-day forum, a Greek initiative with China as a co-organizer, is "in a bid to promote cultural heritage and cooperation," according to the Greek government.

Other delegations, headed by foreign ministers, are from Bolivia, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico and Peru.

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 the diversity of civilizations should be regarded as a source of wealth, and that civilization is both a global power and a financial power which will create jobs and promote economy.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who leads the Chinese delegation, attended the first ministerial meeting of the forum. Endi