It might just be perception. I've seen people, as you have, of very differing and opposing factions, offer a meeting over tea or coffee or something. So it's happened yes.
I do not see this as hugfest. Presidents and Tyrants have sat at the same table before over tea to discuss matters. Kings, Queens, War Lords, aristocrats, Prime Ministers, men, women, and more have all felt animosity towards one or the other at times but still they are willing to take time and sit down to discuss matters in a civil way.
While in the real world, the best way to know your enemy's weakness is to get to know him (keep your enemies closer), I feel that New Eden is a bit different. Each faction wishes to win the minds and hearts of the people.
The Amarr wish all to embrace the Truth.
The Gallente with all to embrace Democracy.
The Caldari wish all to respect the Way and what it means to be Caldari.
The Minmatar wish to establish and obtain the respect of a united Empire of the Tribes.
The Nation wishes all to embrace Unity via being networked.
The Blooders wish all to embrace the word of the Crimson God.
I could go on and on, but the point remains. Everyone has something they want to do. Everyone wishes to convince someone else. In Eve, where the act of death is an inconvenience to the Capsuleer, fighting and firing at each other does not convince anyone to join anyone else. Actions, logic, understanding, and facts presented in a meaningful way do.
So while you may see interfaction relations as a 'hugfest,' it is possibly the best course of action for some people to win others to their faction and establish their credibility and merit as a reputable representative of their chosen faction. To me, it is not a hug fest, but good rhetoric.
Besides, Anslo likes sharing Caldari tea that doesn't have kresh with people like Khross or Pieter or Oniseki or Esna or Tiberious ICly. Understanding of cultures and people can only help yourself.