1st LD: Ancient Civilization Forum opens to cement cultural, economic ties

The first Ancient Civilization Forum kicked off here on Monday as countries representing early human civilizations across the world aim to pool their wisdom together to address today's problems and challenges.

The forum, a Greek initiative with China as a 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 are attending the two-day forum.

The forum takes place at the magnificent Zappeion Megaron, a building of historical significance and an active part of the Greek history over the last 130 years.

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.

"We need culture of compromise and consensus, ability to fight for justice," he said.

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 world's cultural diversity should be respected and treasured, saying, "If all flowers were of the same color, they will not have been attractive."

The minister meanwhile condemned the terrorist Islamic State group for its devastation of the cultural heritages in his country.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that the ongoing forum derives from the same origin as the China-proposed Road and Belt Initiative in the sense that they both provide thoughts and culture for the cooperation of countries across the world with focuses on peaceful development and common prosperity.

Wang said the 10 countries convene to derive "nutrition" from their ancient values and civilizations to realize their own development, provide solutions to today's world challenges as well as explore new development paths for all human beings.

China advocates that different civilizations should understand and be tolerant of each other to promote common development, he said.

"Only through dialogue of different civilizations can we maintain regional and global stability," he added.

The Chinese foreign minister also urged the 10 countries to better cooperate in advancing the development of humankind. Endi