Religious leaders and representatives from various religions had an opportunity to discuss interested topics and to exchange ideas on different issues in the scientific panels of the conference. 

Speaking as a keynote speaker of the first day of the conference, Najah Choheili, leader of Iran’s Mandaean population, said: “As one of the oldest monotheistic religions in Iran, Mandaeans do believe in respecting others and observe ethics in a way that having good ties with other people is among the basic principles of this religion”.

Choheili also said: “Mandaeism believes that the main responsibility of religious scholars and leaders is to prevent discrimination, violence and oppression in the world. They must fulfill this through making solidarity and unity as well as creating hope to the human world”.

Meanwhile, chief Rabbi of Iran’s Jewish population, Younes Hammami Lalezar, talked about importance of shared points saying, “Reaching peace and tranquil life has always been one of the oldest dreams of the humanity; realizing this dream has been considered as one of the most important duties of all Abrahamic religions including Judaism”.

Hammami Lalezar further reiterated: “I think the best way for fulfilling such a life is to know each other through dialogue. By going through dialogues and discussions a kind of peaceful coexistence are formed among followers of all religions”.

He added: “Interfaith dialogues will lead to both a real and right understanding from the other side and also to a discovery of shared points with other religions’ followers”.  

Also, Mahmoud Vaeizi, a University of Tehran professor, said: “Interfaith dialogues have a great position in Islam and they are rooted in Quranic principle of constructive talks. These types of conversations have an equal view of the other side of the conversation and emphasize human friendship and mutual respect”.

Vaeizi stated: “Strategies of Imam Khomeini (RA) and Ayatollah Khamenei in this issue include, paying attention to these conversations, preserving the dignity other religions’ followers, following true teachings, and finally fighting spiritually against arrogant powers”.

He added: “Islamic Republic’s achievements in interfaith dialogues are many the most important of which are making structures, facilitating holding of official and unofficial dialogues, and lowering tensions as well as increasing international interactions”.