A five-language edition of the publication "Religion and Culture - Unbreakable Ties among Nations" and a DVD featuring a documentary of the Second World Conference on Inter-Religious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue, held in Ohrid in 2010, was promoted Tuesday at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle.

Addressing the promotion, President Gjorge Ivanov said that dialogue amongst religions and cultures was the basic instrument in overcoming prejudice and fear, understanding between people regardless of their religious affiliation.

The fact that the publication is printed in Macedonian, Albanian, English, French and Russian language reflects the respect of diversities and the universality of the messages conveyed, according to the President.

"No matter which language is used, the messages are always the same: peace, cooperation and tolerance, coexistence, freedom and love. Macedonia has lived and is living in the world of diversity, respecting its heritage. Life has taught us to coexistence, tolerance and mutual understanding and assistance," Ivanov said.

He underlined that dialogue had the power to change hearts and the reasoning of individuals.

"The cycle of world conferences on inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue will keep on providing firm guidelines that will serve as a bridge of understanding between nations, mutual respect and tolerance for a better world," President Ivanov added.

Minister of Culture Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska said the publication was a document on Macedonia's contribution to democracy in societies worldwide. "It is an impressive anthology which will bring closer the ongoing dialogue of religions in Macedonia to future generation," she noted.

The editions and documentary have been funded by UNESCO, in the framework of UN's joint programme "Enhancing Interethnic Community Dialogue and Collaboration" towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

The promotion was preceded by a meeting of members of the international organizing committee for the 3. World Conference on Dialogue among Religions and Civilizations in 2013.

The committee includes Minister Kanceska-Milevska, Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki, director of the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Groups Valentina Bozinovska, Macedonia's Ambassador to the Holly See Gjoko Gjorgjevski, as well as professors and religious representatives from other countries.

The meeting focused on activities conducted following the 2nd  World Conference on Inter-Religious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue, its outcome as well as on the dates, format and topics which are to be included at the upcoming conference, the Ministry of Culture has said.