BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and several other leaders of Asian nations urged the political parties in Asia to make united efforts for the development of the continent.

  Arroyo, also president of the Lakas-National Union of Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas CMD), addressed the opening ceremony of the third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), which started here Friday morning.

  The ICAPP, hosted by the Communist Party of China (CPC) for the first time, has not only reinforced Asia's position in the world, but also showed China's role in Asia, she said in her speech after Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong addressed the meeting.

  After echoing her agreement with CPC's principles to handle relations with other parties, Arroyo said political parties will play a greater role in promoting development in Asia. 

  In his speech, Zeng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and honorary director of the organizing committee of the conference, made a four-point proposal to call on political parties and leaders of Asian countries to strengthen cooperation. 

  Zeng said it is the "historical duty" of all Asian governments and political parties to increase exchanges, dialogue and cooperation among Asian countries.

  All Asian countries should strengthen economic cooperation, expand mutual investment, increase the flow of technology and personnel and open their markets to each other, Zeng added. 

  In addition, the Chinese vice-president stressed that China's peace and development would be good to the peace and development in Asia and the whole world.

  "China's vigorous development over the last 20 years has not only brought happiness to the Chinese people, but also brought opportunities to countries in Asia and throughout the world," he said.

  More than 350 delegates of 82 political parties and organizations from 34 countries participated in the conference. 

  The major topics discussed included regional security and multilateral cooperation, economic growth and social progress, party-building and national development.

  In his speech at the meeting, Thai Prime Minister and President of the Thai Rak Thai Party Thaksin Shinawatra said although delegates attending the conference have different ideas and ideologies, they gathered to discuss "exchange, cooperation and development." 

  The Thai prime minister said he hoped the delegates would try to find out ways to take joint actions for a more prosperous Asia.

  Cambodian Prime Minister and Vice Chairman of the Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen said Asian countries should strengthen regional cooperation to face the traditional and non-traditional challenges arising in the course of Asia's development.

  President of the Revolutionary Front for Independence of East Timor and Speaker of East Timorese Constituent Assembly Lu-Olo said economic development is an important factor to realize peace and stability, and common development in Asia relies largely upon cooperation among countries in the continent.

Initiated in 2000, the first two ICAPP conferences were held in the Philippines and Thailand in September 2000 and November 2002, respectively. The CPC sent representatives to the previous two meetings. 

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