Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Monday that dialogue among different civilizations is conducive to all countries and nationalities in the world.

"To strengthen dialogues among different civilizations is conducive to mutual understanding and learning among different countries and nationalities, and also helps promote the lofty course of world peace and development," Hu said.

Hu made the remark in a message of congratulation to the 28th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC), which is held in Suzhou from June 28 to July 7.

The session, one of the largest international cultural conferences ever held by China, witnesses the largest number of participants to discuss the record number of topics with the longest meeting period in the WHC history.

Noting diversity a basic feature of world civilization, Hu pointed out that the progress of human history has been a course of constant exchanges, combination and innovation among different civilizations.

China expects the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to play a greater role in promoting international cultural exchanges, Hu said.

Thanks to endeavor made by all delegations, Hu said he believes the session will score a success and contribute to the development of the colorful human cultures.
 
(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2004)