BANGKOK, Nov. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- The fourth World Buddhist Summit opened in Thailand on Tuesday when leaders of the two sects from all over the world meet and exchange views and opinions, seeking cooperation and overcoming differences, with an aim to bringing about prosperity and security for Buddhism.

    Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Tuesday morning presided over the opening ceremony of the summit hosted by Mahamakut Buddhist University.

    The leaders of the two major sects of Buddhist -- 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 and 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 five-day summit: Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand and Vietnam.

    A joint communique signed by all participating Buddhist leaders will be announced at the end of the meeting. Enditem