Middle East nations urged Israel and Palestinian leaders Tuesday to end their conflict for the sake of peace in the region while Malaysia called for greater efforts to disassociate Islam and Muslims from terrorism, at the inaugural Asia-Middle East dialogue in Singapore.
Ministers and officials from around 40 nations and the Palestinian Authority discussed terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, energy policies and trade relations on the second day of the three-day session.
Palestinian Deputy Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah briefed delegates on the ongoing violence in the occupied territories, which has flared up again in recent days leading to a summit between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Jordan's King Abdullah said conflict resolution between Israel and the Palestinians would contribute to wider security in the region.
"The future of the Middle East cannot be realized through the continuation of the status quo," he said in remarks read out by Bassem Awadallah, the vice-chair of the King Abdullah Fund for Development.
Malaysia, a moderate Southeast Asian Muslim country, pushed for more inter-faith dialogue to counter the misperception that Islam was linked to terror and the 9/11 attacks on the United States.
"One of the main victims of the September 11 events is Islam and Muslims. It is unfortunate that terrorism is often associated with Islam," said Malaysia's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Joseph Salang.
The Associated Press quoted Salang as saying there was a "wrong impression created of Islam" and pressed for more dialogue to discuss the religion to create better understanding.
Host Singapore coaxed other Asian nations to invest in the Middle East, a region the city-state has been courting for more investment opportunities.
"We can no longer interact only at the margins. The destinies of our regions will become more interdependent. This is not just about oil or energy but also about trade, investment, business, security, tourism and services," said Singapore Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
The next Asia-Middle East Dialogue is scheduled for 2007 in Cairo, Egypt.
