PM joins Asian-African conference
UNB
Jakarta: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined the opening ceremony of the Asian-African Conference Commemoration Indonesia 2015 began at Jakarta, Indonesian on Wednesday morning along with the other heads of government and state.
The three-day long conference started aiming to share experiences, strengthen partnership and discuss strategies to overcome common challenges and boost economic development in both continents through stronger a South-South cooperation.
The Asian-African summit and a series of events under the theme ‘Strengthening South-South Cooperation to Promote World Peace and Prosperity’ will be held here in Jakarta and Bandung from 22 to 24 April.
Soon after delivering his opening statement, Indonesian President Joko Widido formally opened the conference at BalaiSidang Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).
The summit is being held in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Asian-African Conference. The first Asian-African Conference was held in 1955 in the Indonesian city of Bandung in the midst emerging psychological cold war between two blocks - East and West. Later, the Bandung Spirit was turned into new Asian-African Strategic Partnership in 2005.
As many as 34 heads of state or government, including the Chinese President, and the Japanese Prime Minister, are taking part in the event. Delegates from 109 Asian and African countries, 16 observer countries, and 25 international organizations have been invited to participate in the crucial event.
Earlier on her arrival on Wednesday morning at BalaiSidang Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), the Prime Minister was welcomed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
She along with the other dignitaries witnessed a cultural performance and attended a photo session.
The forum is aimed to bridge Asian and African nations to stronger partnership and share experiences in enhancing both regions’ economic development. It is also an opportunity to discuss solutions to overcome common challenges through strengthening South-South Cooperation.
The Asian-African Conference Commemoration is aimed to conclude three outcome documents, namely document contained Bandung Message, document on reinvigorating NAASP, and declaration regarding Asian-African nations’ support to Palestine.