Britain's multiculturalism "shatters the myth" of a growing clash of civilisations between the West and the Islamic world, a senior Foreign Office minister has suggested.

Mike O'Brien's claim follows growing concern that participation in the Iraq war has alienated large swathes of Britain's minority ethnic population.

But the government appears determined to ensure that, despite anger at the recent conflict, the UK makes the most of its multicultural society when it comes to promoting its image and interests abroad.

Ambassadors being posted overseas are to attend a week-long training programme designed to broaden their knowledge of developments in regional government and offer introductions to key players in ethnic communities.

"It will also give them a regional perspective from which to promote Britain as a modern and innovative society," said the Foreign Office.

And speaking in Birmingham, O'Brien was set to argue that Britain's diverse communities were also good for the economy.

"Britain is a nation built on trade with other nations. In trading with others, the multicultural nature of our society is a great advantage," he said.

"We are currently the world's fifth largest exporter of goods and services combined, and the UK is second only to the US in having the greatest amount of inward and outward investment.

"It is a result of this trade and interaction with other cultures and societies, that today Britain is enriched with such diversity. Diversity in its people, and in their ideas. It is also why Britain is the envy of the world over when it comes to culture, business, fashion, art and academia."

He also argued that Britain's example as a country with citizens of many faiths "shatters the myth that 'a clash of civilisations' exists, particularly in foreign policy".

"We want a foreign policy that is representative of our society as a whole," the minister said.

"Our multicultural society is the essence of Britain, and this is what we want to represent on the international stage."