Jacques Chirac took the initiative of bringing together intellectuals and decision makers of the Mediterranean and Gulf area, including seven Israeli academics, in order to discuss the dialogue between civilisations. This was "all the more urgently required" as we are under threat of a “divorce of cultures” and of “increased misunderstandings, intolerance and resentment”, said President Chirac. Participants were to outline projects likely to be implemented by State institutions or the Civil Society. President Chirac suggested three directions for their work: cooperation in the field of legal codification and reform; a Mediterranean student exchange program to bring young people together and a charter for cultural dialogue that cements the principles for living together in the context of globalisation.
During the opening session, the Chief Rabbi of the Consistory, René-Samuel Sirat, noted that “never has humanity been so divided”, yet he remains “convinced that the clash of civilisations can be avoided”.
Jacques Chirac reminded us that “peace between Israelis and Palestinians equates two States living side by side within viable borders that are recognised and internationally guaranteed”.
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