BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Asian parties have called for self-improvement in the development of politics, economy, culture and foreign relations at the Third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) currently in session in Beijing.

  The conference, with the theme of "Exchange, Cooperation and Development," accommodated about 350 delegates of more than 80 political parties and organizations from 34 countries, with representatives from the Socialist International, African National Congress of South Africa and South African Communist Party attending as observers.

  Parties should not only help safeguard the people's rights, but also promote national development, said Madhav Kumar Nepal, General Secretary of Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). 

  "Creating a democratic political environment will largely depend on a party's activities," said Nepal. It is therefore crucial for a party to step up party building which would lead to its far-sightedness and administrative capacity while the transparency of the party's decision-making would add its credibility, added Nepal.

  The conference hosted by the Communist Party of China (CPC) addresses such topics as "regional security and multilateral cooperation," "economic growth and social progress" and "party building and the national development." 

  Ondjik Musaev, First Secretary of the Turkmenistan Democratic Party, discussed Turkmenistan's political system, saying that his party, as a ruling party, has played a striking role in consolidating the nation's independence and democracy and enhancing social, economic and cultural development.

  "Parties' role has never been so important," said Mukhiddiu Kabirov, Vice Chairman of Party of Islamic Revival of Tajikistan. "They could safeguard democratic tradition and push diverse culture with their deeds."

  Taking note of the ruling party's role, Kabirov said that Asian countries are characterized by the fact that the motivation and resources of a nation are mostly taken by the ruling party.

  "Now that the political party is expected to be accountable for its people and nation, its members must seek unanimous action for a just international political and economic order," said a representative from the General People's Congress of Yemen.

  While addressing the opening ceremony of CIAPP, Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong said "further increasing exchanges, dialogue and cooperation among Asian countries; promoting the peace, stability and development of the region; and working for the well-being of its people are not only the explicit themes of this session, but also the historical duty of all political parties and statesmen of Asian nations." 

  The three-day conference is due to close on Sunday, the day when the participants will also attend signature for peace declaration. 

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