Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani Sunday said that the principle of peaceful existence among various religions, ethnic groups and races should be put high on the agenda.

He made the remark at the inaugural ceremony of the 19th international Islamic unity conference in Tehran, adding that the great Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) called on followers of other religions across the world to coexist and cooperate.

Addressing the conference, Rafsanjani proposed formation of an association to prepare the grounds for holding talks among experts from various religions including Judaism, Christianity and Hindu among others.

Turning to discord among followers of different religions in the course of history, he said that today due to growing communication throughout the world, exchange of views among religions have increased.

Putting the number of world Islamic countries at 75 and the population of Muslims at 1.5 billion, he said the most needed natural resources and best strategic marine and ground routes are situatedin Muslim lands.

Rafsanjani referred to high rate of violation of Muslims rights in non-Islamic states and said that the Muslims residing in such countries mostly face difficulties in various fields including security, studying, dressing code and travelling among others.

"Peaceful coexistence is one of the basic needs. Therefore, a way should be sought to enable people of various faiths and ethnics to coexist based on some acceptable laws. Given that Islam has the potential to prepare the grounds for such coexistence, migration and exchange of views with others based on principles and criteria will be the best option," he added.

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