KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Civilizational dialogue will help calm global tensions, build bridges at the people-to-people level, and facilitate cooperation, speakers told a forum here in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
In her keynote speech at the "Islam-Confucianism Civilizational Dialogue", Sun Chunlan, president of the International Confucian Association, said the dialogue served as a vivid practice of the Global Civilization Initiative, promoting mutual respect and learning among different civilizations.
Sun emphasized that in the face of unprecedented changes, strengthening dialogue between Confucian and Islamic civilizations will provide wisdom to address challenges, inject positive energy into deepening South-South cooperation, and contribute to global peace and development.
Meanwhile, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, noted that global tensions and conflicts seemed to be at an all-time high, but through the promotion of dialogue and cooperation, these challenges can be overcome.
"It is timely for us to stand together to face cynicism and avoid conflict ... We will affirm the shared ideals of peace, freedom, compassion and justice toward a harmonious future," she said.
The dialogue aimed to promote understanding among different civilizations, advocating the common values of humanity.
