The fourth World Buddhist Summit will take place in Thailand next month when leaders of two major sects will meet and exchange views and opinions, seeking cooperation and overcoming differences, with an aim to bring about prosperity and security for Buddhism.

Thailand's Princess Sirindhorn will preside over the opening ceremony on Nov. 1 at Chumporn Khatudomsak Buiding Convention Hall, the Royal Thai Navy headquarters, the Thai News Agency reported on Monday.

The summit will be hosted by Mahamakut Buddhist University.

The leaders of the two major sects of Buddhism -- Hinayana and Mahayana -- are expected to use the summit as an arena to exchange views and opinions for a better understanding and strengthen cooperation in propagating Buddhism for the sake of the happiness and peacefulness of mankind.

Moreover, group discussions on four themes provided will result in new knowledge being acquired and shared by all participants and then able to be translated into practice.

Approximately 3,500 participants -- Buddhist leaders and delegations from 23 countries -- are expected to attend the summit. A joint communique signed by all participating Buddhist leaders will be announced at the end of the meeting.

Source: Xinhua