On the first day of the ongoing Third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), which opened in Beijing Friday morning, delegates from around Asia and neighboring regions expressed their concerns and aspirations for economic development and regional security.

They called for closer regional collaboration to promote security and development, agreeing that enhanced regional collaboration is a prerequisite to Asian development.

Gennady Zyuganov, the leader of the Russian Communist Party, said that Russia and some other parts of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the land bridge linking Europe and Asia, have become a weak point in the Euro-Asian security system. He said the reconstruction of an integrated Russia is vital to the stability of the Eurasian continent.

A delegate of the Islamic Coalition Party of Iran proposed that Asian countries set up a new regional security system on the basis of mutual understanding, trust, cooperation and consultation. He said that Asian countries must strengthen economic cooperation and coordinate their stances on important international issues of common concern to safeguard regional rights and interests.

A delegate of the Communist Party of India said that many Asian countries share the problem of territorial disputes, leading those countries to allocate large sums to military spending. He suggested that Asian country leaders shift military budgets to social and economic development to build a peaceful Asia. He cited the European Common Market and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as successful models for regional development from which other Asian countries should learn.

Hassan Ghafuri-Fard, head of the Iran Parties House, believes that Asian countries should avoid unnecessary conflicts based on different cultures, pointing out that no country should be marginalized or isolated because of its distinctive cultural, economic and political values. He proposed building a common Asian market and increasing understanding between Asian governments. He said that Asian countries can play bigger role in boosting the confidence of developing countries and promoting international cooperation.

A delegate from the Republic of Korea pointed out that the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s demonstrated that globalization may have many negative effects. It is necessary to reevaluate the pros and cons of globalization, he said, particularly neo-liberal globalization.

At a press conference late Friday evening, Cai Wu, deputy head of the Central Committee International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said that he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting so far. Despite differences in ideologies, delegates from different parties were able to share their viewpoints and experiences.

He said because of their familiarity with China’s foreign policy, delegates to ICAPP do not regard China’s rapid development as a threat, but rather a chance for the development of their own countries.

The theme of the current ICAPP -- the first hosted by the CPC -- is “Exchange, Cooperation and Development.” Delegates from more than 80 political parties and organizations from 34 Asian and neighboring countries are attending the conference.

Initiated in 2000, the biennial ICAPP has previously been held in the Philippines, in September 2000, and in Thailand in November 2002. The CPC sent delegates to participate in the previous meetings.

(China.org.cn by staff reporter Chen Chao, September 4, 2004)