UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has praised China's native Taoism as containing ideals of the world.

"Taoism's philosophy of harmony, goodwill and cooperation encapsulates essential ideals for our global society," said Ban Ki-moon at a congratulatory message to the ongoing International Forum on Daodejing, which started here Sunday in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

"These values also underpin the United Nation's own efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation between civilizations," he said.

He mentioned that at the 2005 World Summit, world leaders pledged "to take action to promote a culture of peace and dialogue at local, national, regional and international levels" and emphasized the value of dialogue between cultures and civilizations.

"Together, we must seek to further the basic ideals of all the world's major faiths. We must build societies that respect individuals beliefs and practices," he said.

The theme of this gathering, "Constructing a Harmonious World Through Tao", Ban Ki-moon said, provides a timely opportunity to promote tolerance and understanding.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2007)