TEHRAN - The 23rd International Conference of Islamic Unity opened in Tehran on Tuesday.

Scholars from 48 countries are attending the three-day conference organized by the World Forum for the Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought.
Plots hatched by the enemies of the Islamic ummah, ignorance and bias, extremism, the consequences of sectarianism, and the promotion of dialogue in the Muslim world are some of the topics that are being discussed at the conference.
In the inaugural address of the conference, Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said that freedom of thought and Islamic ethics are the keys for achieving unity among Muslims.
Given its vast extent and potential, the Islamic world could be the strongest part of the international community, but unfortunately, it is afflicted by a number of disputes, Rafsanjani noted.
He stated that the Muslim world has a population of 1.6 billion in 60 countries, some located in the most strategic parts of the world, and it is a pity if Muslim countries are not able to unite or do not have good cooperation.
He said all Muslims believe in the Holy Quran and should utilize this common point to resolve their disputes.