Objective:
The objective of the Seminar is to promote civilization dialogue among Japanese and Islamic intellectuals in order to broaden and deepen mutual understanding between Arab and Islamic countries and the Far East, in particular, Japan.

Patronage:
The Seminar is held under the patronage of H.E. Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Opening Ceremony:
The Opening Ceremony is held at Beit Al Qur'an. Opinion leaders and the people in the field are invited, in addition to Ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom.

Participants:

1. Two to three elite scientists, thinkers and decision makers from various fields were nominated by participating countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Kiwait, Qatar, U.A.E, Sultanate of Oman, Yemen, Iran, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco, in addition to six participants from Japan and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
2. The total number of participants is approximately 36.

Language:
The English language is the official language of the seminar. Instanteous translation may be provided at the Opening session.

Sessions:

1. The program of the seminar includes three working sessions.
2. The subjects for discussion by the three main sessions are:
   • Co-existence and Interaction between Islamic and Arabic countries and Japan.
   • Islam and International relations.
   • Islam and Globalization.
3. A keynote speech will be given at the beginning of every session of the three working sessions.
4. At every session, participants will be divided into three groups of ten to fifteen members. Discussions will be made by the groups.
5. Every participant will present at every session a two-page summary of his main points of view regarding the subject of discussion.
6. The organizing committee of the seminar will compile all papers submitted by the participants, so that every participant could get an idea on the topics to be covered by the dialogue.
7. The members of the three groups will be rotated at every session so that every participant could exchange his/her view with other participants.
8. A chairman and a rapporteur will be appointed for every group of the discussion sessions.
9. The general rapporteur will compile the results and recommendations of every group and prepare a general report to be presented at the closing session.

The Closing Session:

1. The repporteur of every group of the groups of the three sessions will represent a report on the results of discussions conducted, the recommendations and the issues discussed.
2. Open discussion by participants.
3. Two key speeches will be delivered.

Press Conferences:
A press conference will be held before the Seminar on the objectives and a press conference will also be held at the end of the Seminar on the results and recommendations made by participants.

Meals

1. Three lunch meals at the Sheraton Hotel.
2. A dinner on the first day of 11th March, 2002 is hosted in honour of the participants by Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research at Gloustan Restaurant, the Sheraton Hotel.
3. A dinner reception is hosted on the second day of 12th March by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Beit Al Qur'an.
4. A dinner reception is hosted on the third day of 13th March by H.E. the Ambassador of Japan.

Sightseeing:
Tours will be organized on the third day, i.e., 14th March from 8:00 a.m to 12:30 noon to Bahrain Museum, King Fahad Causeway and Al Jasrah House.
A tour is organized in the evening to Old Souq.

Contact and Enquiries:
For any further information, please contact Dr. Fouad Al Rumaihi, Assistant Secretary General for Research Grants, Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research, Tel. 752724, Fax: 756010, E-mail: falrumaihi@bcsr.gov.bh

Explanatory Notes:

1. The Opening Session is open to the media and the public, but the dsicussion sessions are closed.
2. The results and recommendations of the Seminar will be compiled in a book to be published and sent to all decision makers in the participating countries.