Upon an invitation extended by the Delegation of the European Commission in Syria,  a Seminar on diversification and dialog, titled “Promoting  closer relationships between Syrian  and European societies”  was held on June 15, 2005, at Mar Moussa Al- Habashi (the Ethiopian) Monastery – Al Nabek_

The participants included representatives from religious communities in Syria, who came from different regions, in addition to the members of European Parliament Delegation for Eastern Countries Relations. Archimandrite I. Barakat and Deacons I. Daoud and T. Haddad  participated from the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.

The attendance were welcomed by the head of the monastery, Father Paul, who  highlighted the large historical and cultural diversification that characterize the Syrian society.

 Mrs. Beatrice Paris, head of the European delegation, expressed  appreciation on sharing diversification of origins , as well as the hope that this seminar will constitute a platform for sharing views on promoting democratic pluralistic society on the basis of equality and dialog.

The discussions focused on strengthening the close ties between European countries and Syria, that have grown over centuries of neighboring, trading, migrating, cultural and institutional exchanges.