Dear Colleagues,

It is our pleasure to invite you to attend the 12th Congress of the Association of European Psychiatrists. The Congress will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from April 14 to 18, 2004 and its theme is "European Psychiatry: Evidence and Experience".

Issues related to patient care will be emphasised in the scientific programme of the Congress. The programme will favour meetings of psychiatrists with different backgrounds and orientations and aim at developing a feeling of identity of European psychiatry.

The Congress will also serve the educational mission of AEP. This aim will be pursued in a variety of courses, educational workshops, lectures and symposia. The congress will give CME credits to certify that the participants have taken part in accredited education activities.

Attending this meeting in Geneva will also be an opportunity to discover, or rediscover, a city of unique charm with a rich cultural and humanitarian tradition. Geneva has also been very active in defending human rights, leading to the foundation of the Red Cross by Henri Dunant more than 120 years ago. It is the home of numerous international organisations, including the World Health Organisation and Office of the United Nations' High Commissioner for Refugees.

We look forward to welcoming you in Geneva and to the exchange of knowledge and experience aiming to further develop a European psychiatry serving patients on this continent and elsewhere.