Li Peng, president of the AAPP and chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), presided over the morning session.

Li said in his an opening speech that developments in the international arena over the past year prove that peace and development remain the main theme of the times.

Under the current situation, to maintain regional peace in Asia and promote the common development of all Asian countries conforms with the fundamental interests of all peoples in this region, he said.

Li said that since its inception in 1999, the association has been dedicated to the cause of peace and development in Asia, and this aim has won recognition and compliance from an increasing number of Asian countries.

"The AAPP has marched onto a stable and healthy development track thanks to the joint efforts of all members," he said.

He said the birth of the Chongqing Declaration, which was adopted at the association's third annual meeting in China's Chongqing municipality last April, fully demonstrates that parliaments of Asian countries share extensive consensus on the issue of strengthening cooperation for peace and development.

He noted that global multi-polarization and economic globalization are forging ahead amid twists and turns, and the human race is now facing new opportunities as well as challenges.

He hoped that through discussions at the meeting, participants could further consolidate the spirit of the Chongqing Declaration and improve exchanges, understanding, friendship and cooperation among the parliaments of Asian countries.

At the morning session, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines Jose De Venecia briefed participants on the arrangements and preparations for the association's fourth annual meeting, which, with the theme of "Towards a Hundred Years of Peace," will be held from May 7 to 11 this year in Manila, the Philippines.

(People’s Daily January 24, 2003)