The three-day conference, entitled "Islam in a Pluralistic World," is being hosted by Austria's foreign ministry. The meeting's goal is to help strengthen cooperation and understanding between Islamic and non-Islamic cultures.

Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik has said the issue is important to Europe, where a growing number of Muslim citizens are seeking their rightful place in society.

In addition to the Afghan and Iraqi presidents, guests are expected to include former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, Iranian 2003 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi and Egypt's minister for religious affairs Mahmoud Zakzouk.

Senior officials from the Organization of the Islamic Conference and experts from Malaysia, Pakistan, Libya and Lebanon are also expected to attend.

(Eggleston-Vienna/Agencies)