Susilo to open interfaith dialog

INDONESIA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to open the Bali Interfaith Dialog on July 21 at the International Convention Center in Nusa Dua, foreign affairs spokesman Marty Natalegawa says.

The two-day event is the initiative of Indonesia and the United Kingdom in their capacities as members of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

The dialog -- "Building Interfaith Harmony within the International Community" -- is aimed at fostering mutual understanding and respect among all faiths and religions, particularly in Asia and Europe.

These recommendations would be endorsed in the Bali Declaration on Building Interfaith Harmony, Marty said on Friday.

"The latest bombing incident in London has made this event more relevant, and has emphasized the need for interfaith dialog," Marty said.

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) will also organize a "Talks on the Hill" workshop among intellectuals, religious leaders and youth groups from ASEM countries (from July 17 to July 19) and a journalist forum on July 20.

The dialog is sponsored by other ASEM partners -- Denmark, the European Commission, Finland, Greece, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Singapore, Spain and Thailand. -- JP