ATHENS - The 21st Conference of Education Ministers of Council of Europe held in Greek capital Athens ended on Wednesday. National Education Minister Huseyin Celik represented Turkey at the meeting.
Greek Minister of National Education Petros Efthymiou, who hosted the conference, held a news conference and stated that intercultural education, strengthening of democracy, school curriculum, school administration and teacher training were discussed at the conference.
Efthymiou said representatives from Arab League for the first time attended this meeting of COE, noting that thus Europe-Arab dialogue was formed.
Stating that schools formed heart of democracy, Efthymiou said intercultural dialogue that would be provided in schools would help raise of democratic citizens of the future.
The statement that was published after the conference called on Council of Europe to attribute more importance to education, education policies, history learning, language policies and democratic citizenship training.
The statement also wanted Council of Europe to encourage its members to take action in this respect.
Turkey will host the 22nd Permanent Conference of COE Education Ministers in 2006. Definite date and the city will be determined afterwards.
Celik is expected to return to Turkey on Thursday.
(AY) 12.11.2003