Conclusion

"Many questions had been left unanswered but that was a good reason to meet again"
- Dr Dariga Nazarbayeva

Summing up at the end of the conference, Dariga Nazarbayeva said: "We have had three days of very lively discussions on very acute issues. We had differences of opinion on various subjects, including global issues. It has helped people to hear each other, see each other and understand each other.

"If the forum made you question some of your prejudices and ideas, I believe it has done its work."
Dr Nazarbayeva said this was in line with the aim of the conference - to help people from East and West to meet and understand each other, to seek answers through debate and to avoid conflict. Many questions had been left unanswered, but that was a good reason to meet again.

"In exactly one year, we shall welcome you back to Kazakhstan for the fourth year of the Eurasian Media Forum," she declared.

During the conference, Richard Holbrooke said: "Conferences like this serve many purposes. We learn from coming here and, for Richard Perle and myself, coming for the first time is immensely valuable.
"We hope by this kind of exchange, the people of Kazakhstan come out of the conference with ideas they can incorporate into their political future."

One participant from the Middle East who had been embroiled in some heated exchanges, said: "The good thing is that here we can talk our minds and still have respect, as well as the possibility of a meal together, with those with whom we do not agree."