Icapp Opens In Cambodia To Promote Cooperation Between Political Parties

PHNOM PENH, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The three-day International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) opened here on Thursday, aimed to promote exchanges and cooperation between political parties from different countries in the region, reports China's Xinhua news agency.

It is also the first unprecedented event in the capital city of Phnom Penh after five general assemblies had been held successively in the Philippines, Thailand, China, South Korea and Kazakhstan.

The theme of the ICAPP is "Asia's Quest for a Better Tomorrow" and will focus on particular issues such as economy, energy and environment.

This 6th General Assembly of the ICAPP coincides with commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of ICAPP, according to Xinhua.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen delivered an opening speech in front of former and current head of states and governments, about 100 Asian political parties from some 40 countries, 150 observers, environmental experts from international institutions and the United Nations.

The assembly is also participated by members of the Centrist Democratic International-Asia Pacific (CDI-AP) as well as delegates from the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPAL).

The main purpose of the meeting is to enhance cooperation and exchange of viewpoints among and between different political parties with different ideologies in the region, and to improve mutual understanding and trust among the nations and countries in the region.

Other purposes of the meeting are to promote regional cooperation through the unique role and channel of political parties; and to create an environment for sustainable peace and shared prosperity in the region.

The selection of these topics is in response to the current global context with a view to: achieving economic recovery from the global financial crisis; ensuring energy safety after mineral resources have become gradually exhausted amid arising needs; and ensuring environmental safety following the drastic climate change.

During the ICAPP, the "Workshop on Women as Politicians" and "Workshop on Young Politicians" will also be held, focusing on the roles of women as politicians and young politicians in the areas of economy, energy and environment.

The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) is a meeting forum of political parties of Asia-Oceania countries, which was initiated by Lakas-CMD of the Philippines in September, 2000.

-- BERNAMA