TEHRAN – On Thursday, Tehran played host to the 7th assembly of the Ancient Civilizations Forum, which brought together representatives from the member nations.

The event, chaired by Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, welcomed attendees, fostering dialogue and cooperation among nations known for their rich cultural legacies.

Addressing the esteemed assembly, Amirabdollahian underscored that cooperation between civilizations is an element of soft power that could be used to promote a new discourse in the global arena and help resolve common problems of humanity.

The minister emphasized the imperative for ancient civilizations to utilize their collective potential in condemning the atrocities committed by the Zionist regime of Israel in Gaza. He urged these nations to leverage all available resources to halt such crises and prosecute war criminals through an international tribunal, highlighting the pursuit of justice.

Moreover, he underlined inter-civilizational collaboration as a potent soft power element for member nations, enabling the introduction of a new discourse on the global stage and facilitating solutions to shared human challenges.

The Ancient Civilizations Forum, comprising ten member nations including the Islamic Republic of Iran, Armenia, Italy, Bolivia, Peru, China, Iraq, Egypt, Mexico, and Greece, was established in 2017. Iran assumed the presidency and hosted the summit in 2023, showcasing its commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogues and strengthening international cooperation among ancient civilizations.

The conclusion of the Forum’s 7th assembly heralds a renewed commitment among ancient nations to uphold cultural diversity, foster mutual understanding, and confront contemporary global issues collectively, setting the stage for further collaboration and harmony among ancient civilizations.

Iran holds the rotating presidency of the Forum in 2023.

AFM