In reference to the question of Inter-civlizational and interfaith dialogue, the OIC delegation reiterated that the OIC was a pioneer on the concept of the dialogue among civilizations and that this was being carried out both among the member states and with other countries including European countries and organizations such as the EU, OSCE and Council of Europe. The President of the EU Parliament expressed his appreciation at the proactive role of the OIC under the leadership of the Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to engage Europe by initiating and supporting Dialogue among Civilizations in several OIC and EU countries and commended on his personal engagement with European leaders and leading European academic institutions and think- tanks to promote mutual understanding. --MORE www.spa.gov.sa/619424