RABAT, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The second International Conference on Intercultural and Inter-faith Dialogue kicked off on Monday in northern Morocco's Fez city under the theme of the otherness.
Organized by Morocco's Foreign Ministry and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), the two-day conference aims to deepen reflection on dialogue and understanding among civilizations and to raise awareness about the urgent need for them.
In a message to the participants, Morocco's King Mohammed VI said that his country's hosting of the conference reflects its determination to set off a new dynamic to pave the way for innovative pathways to ensure respect for cultural and religious diversity as well as a common commitment to the virtues of dialogue and to respect for others.
The rise in ideological conflict and in various forms of ethnic discrimination and communal violence requires joint, cohesive and effective action, the king said.
Nothing should dampen the will to capitalize on achievements and open up prospects for future work according to a practical plan of action and appropriate follow-up mechanisms, he added.
"Inter-faith, inter-cultural dialogue is not an abstract concept or a form of intellectual luxury," he stressed, underlining that dialogue is born out of deeply held convictions which require strong commitment, hard work and matching words with action.
