Islamic -European dialogue Forum in kicks off in Istanbul

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher arrived in Istanbul on Monday night to attend an Islamic -European dialogue forum, .

Maher leads his country's delegation that includes Egyptian ambassador to Turkey Fathi El -Shazly and Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ahmed El Qoweisni.

The forum ,that kicked off today, hosted the foreign ministers of the organization of Islamic Conference and the EU in addition to the Arab League and European Council chiefs.

A plethora of intellectuals and world figures participate in the gathering. The forum aims at furthering join dialogue and understanding in the wake of the September 11 events.

A large number of European foreign ministers arrived Istanbul Monday evening for the same purpose.

Maher on Monday said that cultural inter-action helps bring better understanding among peoples. In statements before leaving for Istanbul Maher said that the meeting comes as part of the two organizations efforts to realise a better understanding among nations.

"Attempts are now underway to tarnish the image of Islam and Arabs," said Maher noting that some people are prejudiced in favour of one civilization at the expense of the other, a topic that will figure high on the meetings agenda.