Tunis — One of the tenets of Tunisian political and cultural life is the promotion of the dialogue of civilization and religions. In this context a conference was held on Saturday in Tunis on the theme "Islamic-Christian dialogue: a challenge or an opportunity". The event was chaired by the Jean Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. Cardinal Tauran is also in charge of the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims.

The event was organized by the Ben Ali Chair for The Dialogues of Civilizations and Religions and Diocese of Tunis.

During the conference, Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran gave a talk on the Islamic-Christian relations. He explained that Christian-Muslim encounter finds its deepest motivation, and its platform, in monotheistic faith.

He also placed emphasis on the Christian-Muslim dialogue which has arisen in the context of religious pluralism and is now seriously challenged. Prerequisites for that dialogue are mutual recognition, understanding, respect and appreciation. This dialogue witnesses its greatest challenges and opportunities not in areas of similarity and agreement but precisely in areas of difference and disagreement, he added.

In a world where Christians and Muslims live as neighbors and co-citizens, dialogue is not only an activity of meetings and conferences. It is a way of living out our faith commitment in relation to each other, sharing as partners' common concerns and aspirations and striving together to find a solution to the problems and challenges of our time, added the cardinal.