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364737
Thu, 04/23/2015 - 12:22
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Crucial For Asia, Africa To Recommit To Bandung Spirit, Forge New Strategic Partnership

From Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah JAKARTA (Indonesia), April 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek says it is crucial for Asia and Africa to recommit to the Bandung Spirit and forged the new Asian-African Strategic Partnership. "As we confront challenges brought by globalisation and other pressing political and economic issues, it is crucial for Asia and Africa to recommit to the Bandung Spirit and the new Asian-African Strategic Partnership, building upon the strength that we have shown today," he said when addressing delegates at the Plenary session of the Asia Africa Conference 60th Anniversary Commemoration (AACC) ministerial meeting here, Thursday. "Hardly a decade after the end of World War II and the birth of the Republic of Indonesia in 1945, the founding father of Indonesia, President Sukarno along with four other leaders of newly independent countries (Burma, Ceylon, India and Pakistan) took the bold and visionary step in co-hosting the first Asian-African Conference in Bandung, Indonesia in April 1955. He said the first conference was attended by leaders from 24 other countries. Although there was skepticism from some quarters towards the new found confidence and solidarity among Asian and African countries, sixty years after it was first convened, the Spirit of Bandung lived on and continued to inspire developing countries for self-respect and self-determination. Ahmad Shabery who represented Prime Minister Najib Razak at the meeting said: "It was the same Spirit of Bandung that led to the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961. Najib is scheduled to join the AACC in Bandung for the historical walk on Friday. Revisiting history, the minister said Malaysia which gained its independence in 1957, lent support to all these forums including to its African brothers who were still under colonisation. "Our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman was one of the strongest opponents against Apartheid policy, using the platforms of the United Nations (UN) and the Commonwealth," he said. He noted that the world today had become more complex and polarised since the last meeting in 2005, causing fear, instability and uncertainty. "If sixty years ago, most countries in Asia and Africa struggled against colonialism and imperialism, however, our world today is confronted by the threat of extremism and terrorism," he said, adding that there was a need to enhance interregional cooperation to tackle pressing global challenges posed by extremism, transnational organised crimes and terrorism. He said Malaysia strongly condemned any act of terrorism and violence perpetrated by extremist groups which caused grave injuries and losses to many lives, which should be addressed in a comprehensive manner and not necessarily through the use of force alone. "Malaysia believes in a multifaceted approach in combating terrorism and extremism by addressing the underlying contributing factors that support terrorism and extremism," Ahmad Shabery said. In 2010, he said, Malaysia introduced the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM) to provide an international platform for the voices of moderation to counter the increasing sentiment of extremism in all forms, be it in the realm of religion, politics, social, economy or international relations. Cognisant of this, he said Malaysia fully supported the three outcome documents that would be adopted at the Summit, which aimed to reinvigorate its commitment to a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable partnership under the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership. "We are confident that the reinvigorated strategic partnership will give further impetus to intensifying the existing cooperation among countries of the South in our pursuit for peace, stability and prosperity," he said. Noting that Asia and Africa are two continents with enormous potential and land of opportunity, he said: "What is needed is to redouble our collective efforts to empower the two regions towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth, stability, peace and prosperity in the two regions." As the 25th largest trading nation, he said trade had been the engine of growth for Malaysia's economy besides a significant revenue earner for most economies. On another note, Ahmad Shabery said Malaysia remained steadfast in its support of the Palestinian cause underpinned by the various international principles and laws. Over the years, he said, the government of Malaysia had continued to provide various forms of assistance to the government of Palestine and its people, including for reconstruction and rehabilitation. "We commend the Asian and African peoples' continued support for Palestine with the adoption of the Declaration on Palestine today. This Declaration would further strengthen the legitimacy of the inalienable rights and struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination, sovereignty and independence, and bring an end to more than six decades of Israel's illegal occupation," he added. --BERNAMA

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