Sultan Brunei Suggests Boosting Political Coop In Asean

Nusa Dua, Bali, Nov 7 (Antara) - The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Hassanal Bolkiah, suggested that stakeholders in SE Asia boost political cooperation with the ASEAN Community, which will begin operating in 2015. "As ASEAN approaches its 2015 target, I am of the view that more still needs to be done in promoting effective political cooperation in the region by working closely with our people," Sultan Bolkiah said in his opening speech at the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) VI hosted by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry here on Thursday. The Sultan said several cooperative programs, in practical terms, can be put in place, such as social protection, eliminating violence against women and children, as well as promoting the role of youth entrepreneurship. According to him, all people who live in ASEAN should support regional integration, as found in the ASEAN Community association`s opening words, "We are the people of the member of ASEAN". He added that the community`s efforts to build ASEAN has provided a strong basis for the common interests of the ASEAN people. "In coming up with this initiative, various civil societies, organizations and stake holders were engaged and consulted to develop a better ASEAN," Sultan said. "We are all in agreement that all countries are very conscious of the need to adopt practices through the rule of law, government effectiveness and anti-corruption as legitimate and part of good governance," the Sultan said, adding that these values are important to enable ASEAN people to realize that their lives have the potential to be developed. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah attended the BDF VI along with Timor Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, to open the democracy forum held in Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center on November 7-8, 2013. The forum will discuss democratic developments in countries in Asia Pacific and beyond. This year`s theme for BDF VI is "Consolidating Democracy in a Pluralistic Society" to support developing democracies throughout the world. There are two sub-themes that will be discussed during BDF VI, including the explanation of free and fair general elections held in participating BDF countries. The second sub-theme is an explanation of how to build and strengthen democratic institutions in each country.